This photograph of singer and actress Kristen Chenoweth performing at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse was taken by Thomas Goertel on December 2, 2021. Chenoweth performed the holiday classic "Everybody's Waiting for the Man With the Bag," accompanied by the United States Army Band Downrange. The 2021 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J and also featured performances by Billy Porter, Chris Stapleton, H.E.R., Juanes, Keb’ Mo’, Maren Morris, and Patti LaBelle.

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts have annually drawn hundreds of attendees.