TRAVELNational Christmas Tree lighting ceremony: Jessie James Decker, Chevel Shepherd and moreUSA TODAYThe 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington was held Thursday. The party started while the sun was still shining, and continued into the evening with performances. But the highlight of the event was when first lady Melania Trump hit the button and illuminated the tree. Click ahead to see more photos from the event:Drew Angerer, Getty ImagesThe West Tennessee Youth Chorus performed at the 2019 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY"The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band performed alongside them.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYThe White House was illuminated and the darkening sky lent extra drama and beauty to the event.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYSinger Spensha Baker, who competed on Season 14 of "The Voice," performed for the crowd.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYThe Marine Band performed a number of holiday favorites.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYSinger Jessie James Decker hosted the event. Her husband, Eric Decker, joined her onstage.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYThe country star also performed for the crowd.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYDecker greeted the president and first lady.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYMelania Trump had the honor of lighting the tree, a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania adorned with 50,000 lights and 450 stars.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYPresident Trump addressed the crowd after the tree was lit.MANDEL NGAN, AFP Via Getty ImagesIt provided a dramatic backdrop to his remarks.Oliver Contreras, EPA-EFEPeople in the audience had their phones out to document the night's events.BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty ImagesThe tree stands in The President's Park on the Ellipse, between the White House and the Washington Monument.Susan Walsh, APThe president and first lady left the festivities hand-in-hand.Susan Walsh, APThe Marine Band rocked with dramatic lighting and projected fireworks.BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty ImagesColton Dixon performed for the crowd.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYSo did Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYThe weather was close to freezing for the show – probably a shock for youngsters from the desert performing in shirtsleeves.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYChevel Shepherd, winner of Season 15 of "The Voice," bundled up for her performance at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYThe Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus stayed to sing with the teen from New Mexico.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAYAnd guests got the whole thing, in still photos and video.Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY