Obama and Family Light National Christmas Tree

President Obama and his family presided over the 88th lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in Washington during a chilly late-afternoon ceremony on Thursday.

B.B. King was among the performers at the hour-long event, which included a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Michelle Obama. The first lady read the book onstage while surrounded by children, at one point removing her gloves so that she could effectively turn the pages after accidentally skipping over one. (See video below.)

Mr. Obama was joined by his wife, daughters Sasha and Malia, and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson in flipping a switch to light the tree midway through the ceremony. In brief remarks, the president noted his religion in discussing the story of Christmas, telling the crowd, "It's a story that's dear to Michelle and me as Christians but it's a message that's universal."

The first National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony took place back in 1923, with President Calvin Coolidge presiding.

Among those who entertained attendees at this year's event were Maroon 5, 10-year-old singer Jackie Evancho and Jim James of the band My Morning Jacket. 3,000 people attended the festivities, having won tickets through an online lottery.