National Christmas Tree Lighting, 2021

This photograph of the crowd gathered on the Ellipse for the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was taken by Thomas Goertel on December 2, 2021. The event was hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J and featured performances by Billy Porter, Chris Stapleton, H.E.R., Juanes, Keb Mo, Kristin Chenoweth, 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.