The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a ceremony celebrated in the United States, around a large evergreen tree decorated for Christmas at The White House. The lighting of the tree is an annual event held in early December since 1923.

In 2011, Kermit the Frog helped the National Park Rangers decorate the tree, joined Michelle Obama in a reading of "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore (YouTube), and sang "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with Santa Claus (performed by Brad Oscar).

Kermit later joined the Obamas and others on the stage for a sing-along rendition of "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland".

The TV broadcast on PBS was produced by the National Park Foundation. Underwriters Laboratories served as premier sponsor, framing the special with their commercials featuring the Muppets.

External linksEdit

• whitehouse.gov "The Obama Family Starts New Tradition at National Tree Lighting Ceremony" by Colleen Curtis, December 02, 2011