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National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony: Jessie James Decker, Chevel Shepherd and more

USA TODAY
The 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:
The 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 Images
The West Tennessee Youth Chorus performed at the 2019 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The 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.
"The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band performed alongside them.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
The White House was illuminated and the darkening sky lent extra drama and beauty to the event.
The White House was illuminated and the darkening sky lent extra drama and beauty to the event.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
Singer Spensha Baker, who competed on Season 14 of " The Voice, " performed for the crowd.
Singer Spensha Baker, who competed on Season 14 of "The Voice," performed for the crowd.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
The Marine Band performed a number of holiday favorites.
The Marine Band performed a number of holiday favorites.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
Singer Jessie James Decker hosted the event. Her husband, Eric Decker, joined her onstage.
Singer Jessie James Decker hosted the event. Her husband, Eric Decker, joined her onstage.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
The country star also performed for the crowd.
The country star also performed for the crowd.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
Decker greeted the president and first lady.
Decker greeted the president and first lady.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
Melania Trump had the honor of lighting the tree, a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania adorned with 50,000 lights and 450 stars.
Melania 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 TODAY
President Trump addressed the crowd after the tree was lit.
President Trump addressed the crowd after the tree was lit.
MANDEL NGAN, AFP Via Getty Images
It provided a dramatic backdrop to his remarks.
It provided a dramatic backdrop to his remarks.
Oliver Contreras, EPA-EFE
People in the audience had their phones out to document the night ' s events.
People in the audience had their phones out to document the night's events.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty Images
The tree stands in The President ' s Park on the Ellipse, between the White House and the Washington Monument.
The tree stands in The President's Park on the Ellipse, between the White House and the Washington Monument.
Susan Walsh, AP
The president and first lady left the festivities hand-in-hand.
The president and first lady left the festivities hand-in-hand.
Susan Walsh, AP
The Marine Band rocked with dramatic lighting and projected fireworks.
The Marine Band rocked with dramatic lighting and projected fireworks.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty Images
Colton Dixon performed for the crowd.
Colton Dixon performed for the crowd.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
So did Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
So did Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
The weather was close to freezing for the show – probably a shock for youngsters from the desert performing in shirtsleeves.
The weather was close to freezing for the show – probably a shock for youngsters from the desert performing in shirtsleeves.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
Chevel Shepherd, winner of Season 15 of " The Voice, " bundled up for her performance at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Chevel Shepherd, winner of Season 15 of "The Voice," bundled up for her performance at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus stayed to sing with the teen from New Mexico.
The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus stayed to sing with the teen from New Mexico.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY
And guests got the whole thing, in still photos and video.
And guests got the whole thing, in still photos and video.
Eric P Kruszewski For USA TODAY