This photograph, showing a south view of the White House, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019. For the holiday season, wreaths were hung and lights from the interior decorations, including the Blue Room Christmas Tree, were captured faintly through the windows. This photograph was taken from the Ellipse, ahead of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

This photograph, showing a south view of the White House, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019. For the holiday season, wreaths were hung and lights from the interior decorations, including the Blue Room Christmas Tree, were captured faintly through the windows. This photograph was taken from the Ellipse, ahead of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

This photograph, taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019, shows a flock of birds atop a tree near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building during the pre-show of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. While the birds were not a scheduled part of the evening's performance, they served as a reminder that the event took place on protected natural parkland: the Ellipse on President's Park, managed by the National Park Service. 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.

This photograph presents a south view of the White House at night in December 1972, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The house is framed between foliage strung with lights, likely two decorated Christmas trees. For the holiday season, wreaths are hung from the South Portico, and garland winds down its east and west steps. The official White House Christmas Tree can also be seen through the window of the Blue Room, in the center of the State Floor.

This photograph of the festively decorated South Portico was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The Blue Room Christmas tree can faintly be seen through the window on the lower balcony. 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 draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph was taken from the east side of the South Portico of the White House in December 1969 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. The South Fountain, National Christmas Tree, and Jefferson Memorial appear in a diagonal procession. On the left side of the photograph, the Washington Monument is also visible.

This photograph was taken from the east side of the South Portico of the White House in December 1969 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. The South Fountain, National Christmas Tree, and Jefferson Memorial appear in a diagonal procession. On the left side of the photograph, the Washington Monument is also visible.

This photograph was taken from the east side of the South Portico of the White House in December 1969 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. The South Fountain, National Christmas Tree, and Jefferson Memorial appear in a diagonal procession. On the left side of the photograph, the Washington Monument is also visible.