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 was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019, during the conclusion of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. For the grand finale, the performers from throughout the night were joined onstage by Santa Claus to sing a final Christmas song: "Up on the Housetop," by Benjamin Russell Hanby. The host for the evening, country singer Jessie James Decker, was also joined onstage by her husband, former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker. Also captured in this photograph is Christian rock singer and former "American Idol" contestant Colton Dixon, and members of the West Tennessee Youth Chorus. 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.