The White House is lit up after Mr Biden and his wife turn on the National Christmas Tree. AP
The White House is lit up after Mr Biden and his wife turn on the National Christmas Tree. AP
US President Joe Biden speaks alongside his wife Jill at the National Christmas Tree lighting on lhe Ellipse, south of the White House in Washington, on Wednesday. AFP
US President Joe Biden speaks alongside his wife Jill at the National Christmas Tree lighting on lhe Ellipse, south of the White House in Washington, on Wednesday. AFP
Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain performs during the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting on The Ellipse south of the White House. AFP
Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain performs during the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting on The Ellipse south of the White House. AFP
Mr Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris enjoy a laugh during the ceremony. AP
Mr Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris enjoy a laugh during the ceremony. AP
Joss Stone performs during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Ellipse below the White House. Reuters
Joss Stone performs during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Ellipse below the White House. Reuters
The lit tree is seen during the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting. AFP
The lit tree is seen during the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting. AFP
Andy Grammer performs for the crowd gathered at the White House. Reuters
Andy Grammer performs for the crowd gathered at the White House. Reuters
The Bidens enjoy a snuggle during the Christmas tree lighting. AFP
The Bidens enjoy a snuggle during the Christmas tree lighting. AFP
The National Christmas Tree in all its glory. Reuters
The National Christmas Tree in all its glory. Reuters
Shania Twain performs at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Reuters
Shania Twain performs at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Reuters
Mr and Ms Biden were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff at the lighting. AFP
Mr and Ms Biden were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff at the lighting. AFP
Ms Harris and Mr Emhoff smile and hug during the National Christmas Tree lighting. AP
Ms Harris and Mr Emhoff smile and hug during the National Christmas Tree lighting. AP
The Bidens and US rapper LL Cool J at the ceremony. AFP
The Bidens and US rapper LL Cool J at the ceremony. AFP
Workers set in place the new Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on November 12. EPA
Workers set in place the new Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on November 12. EPA
The new tree from Queensbury, New York, is 25 metres tall and weighs 14 tonnes. EPA
The new tree from Queensbury, New York, is 25 metres tall and weighs 14 tonnes. EPA
Workers set in place the new Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on November 12. EPA
Workers set in place the new Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on November 12. EPA
Workers wheel in the Rockefeller Centre tree. EPA
Workers wheel in the Rockefeller Centre tree. EPA
David Foster and Katharine McPhee perform during lighting of The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, U. S. , November 30, 2022. REUTERS / Jeenah Moon
David Foster and Katharine McPhee perform during lighting of The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, U. S. , November 30, 2022. REUTERS / Jeenah Moon
McPhee dazzled in snowy white. Reuters
McPhee dazzled in snowy white. Reuters
McPhee shows off her black elbow-length gloves. Reuters
McPhee shows off her black elbow-length gloves. Reuters

World

US

Christmas trees in New York and Washington lit up

Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree and National Christmas Tree kick off holiday season

Patrick deHahn
Patrick deHahn
New York

December 01, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

On Wednesday evening two famous US Christmas trees, in New York City and the nation's capital, Washington, were lit up to start the holiday season.

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton dazzled with a duet of their You Make It Feel Like Christmas single as part of a two-hour lighting celebration broadcast on TV for national audiences.

Tens of thousands crowded around the plaza to hear performances from Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, and others.

The Radio City Rockettes and Muppets of Sesame Street also made appearances.

Hundreds of thousands walk into Rockefeller Centre Plaza to view the tree each day in December until the New Year. At least 125 million visit over the season.

The 25-metre tree, donated by a New York family, was shipped from 320km north of the city and now stands above the ice skating rink, topped by a Swarovski star made of three million crystals.

Meanwhile, in Washington, about 10,000 people gathered at the Ellipse in President's Park, south of the White House, to view the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

President Joe Biden spoke at the lighting. He was with his wife, Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff.

“From the Biden family to you. Merry Christmas, America,” Mr Biden said.

Ms Biden this week unveiled the White House decorations with a "We the People" theme.

US first lady Jill Biden stands with Daria Peoples, an elementary school art teacher and children's book author from Las Vegas, Nevada, who contributed to the decorations. EPA
US first lady Jill Biden stands with Daria Peoples, an elementary school art teacher and children's book author from Las Vegas, Nevada, who contributed to the decorations. EPA
Ms Biden thanks volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays. Reuters
Ms Biden thanks volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays. Reuters
Ms Biden departs after speaking at the unveiling. AP
Ms Biden departs after speaking at the unveiling. AP
A guest wears decorative attire as the first lady unveils this year's White House holiday theme and seasonal decor in the East Room of the White House. AP
A guest wears decorative attire as the first lady unveils this year's White House holiday theme and seasonal decor in the East Room of the White House. AP
Ms Biden arrives for a roundtable discussion on education for military-connected children with National Guard families and state adjutants general in the Roosevelt Room at the White House after unveiling the Christmas decorations. AP
Ms Biden arrives for a roundtable discussion on education for military-connected children with National Guard families and state adjutants general in the Roosevelt Room at the White House after unveiling the Christmas decorations. AP
Ms Biden in the Roosevelt Room with children of military families. AP
Ms Biden in the Roosevelt Room with children of military families. AP
The roundtable discussion took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. AP
The roundtable discussion took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. AP
The children had name placards like other visiting dignitaries. AP
The children had name placards like other visiting dignitaries. AP
Some of the children's parents serve in the US National Guard. Reuters
Some of the children's parents serve in the US National Guard. Reuters
Ms Biden receives the official 2022 White House Christmas tree with her grandson Beau. Reuters
Ms Biden receives the official 2022 White House Christmas tree with her grandson Beau. Reuters
Ms Biden gave comments on the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado after receiving the tree. Reuters
Ms Biden gave comments on the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado after receiving the tree. Reuters
Beau Biden, son of Hunter Biden, holds his grandmother's hand as she receives the tree. Reuters
Beau Biden, son of Hunter Biden, holds his grandmother's hand as she receives the tree. Reuters
The tree arrives at the White House. Reuters
The tree arrives at the White House. Reuters
Ms Biden greets volunteers who will decorate the White House for Christmas. AFP
Ms Biden greets volunteers who will decorate the White House for Christmas. AFP
The tree stands in the Blue Room after being decorated. AFP
The tree stands in the Blue Room after being decorated. AFP
The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays, 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths on the exterior of the executive mansion. AFP
The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays, 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths on the exterior of the executive mansion. AFP

The US Marine Band was on hand to perform, along with LL Cool J, Shania Twain and others.

The first National Christmas Tree was lit by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923 and there has been a lighting ever since, the National Park Service says.

The tree has almost 4,000 metres of string lights, and there are 58 smaller Christmas trees that symbolise all of the US states and territories.

White House Christmas decorations 2022 - in pictures

Christmas trees line the Cross Hall during the unveiling of holiday decor at the White House. EPA
Christmas trees line the Cross Hall during the unveiling of holiday decor at the White House. EPA
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host many holiday receptions and events in the lead-up to Christmas. Reuters
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host many holiday receptions and events in the lead-up to Christmas. Reuters
The official White House Christmas tree is decorated to represent unity and hope with handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 US territories, states and the District of Columbia. AP
The official White House Christmas tree is decorated to represent unity and hope with handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 US territories, states and the District of Columbia. AP
Ornaments depicting self-portraits made by pupils of the recipients of the 2021 Teacher of the Year award decorate a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room. EPA
Ornaments depicting self-portraits made by pupils of the recipients of the 2021 Teacher of the Year award decorate a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room. EPA
Christmas trees and winter scenes decorate the Cross Hall at the White House. EPA
Christmas trees and winter scenes decorate the Cross Hall at the White House. EPA
Christmas trees line the Lower Cross Hall at the White House. EPA
Christmas trees line the Lower Cross Hall at the White House. EPA
The Red Room of the White House is always a showstopper. AP
The Red Room of the White House is always a showstopper. AP
Trees intended to portray a first woodland snowfall line the East Colonnade of the White House. Reuters
Trees intended to portray a first woodland snowfall line the East Colonnade of the White House. Reuters
This year's theme is 'We the People'. Reuters
This year's theme is 'We the People'. Reuters
Gold Star trees honour fallen military servicemembers, including Air Force Sgt Marshal Roberts. Reuters
Gold Star trees honour fallen military servicemembers, including Air Force Sgt Marshal Roberts. Reuters
The Biden family dog Commander pops up in many different places around the White House. EPA
The Biden family dog Commander pops up in many different places around the White House. EPA
A gingerbread White House creation, including 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate and 40 pounds of royal icing, decorates the State Dining Room. EPA
A gingerbread White House creation, including 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate and 40 pounds of royal icing, decorates the State Dining Room. EPA
This display celebrates national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains. Reuters
This display celebrates national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains. Reuters
The first lady oversaw the exhaustive decorating effort. Reuters
The first lady oversaw the exhaustive decorating effort. Reuters
The 2022 White House holiday theme is 'We The People', with 77 Christmas trees, a gingerbread White House, 15 wreaths and more than 83,000 holiday lights decorating the building. EPA
The 2022 White House holiday theme is 'We The People', with 77 Christmas trees, a gingerbread White House, 15 wreaths and more than 83,000 holiday lights decorating the building. EPA
It is estimated that more than 50,000 people will visit the White House in the lead-up to Christmas. Reuters
It is estimated that more than 50,000 people will visit the White House in the lead-up to Christmas. Reuters
Ms Biden found inspiration from America’s founding documents to deck the White House halls and to remind Americans of what unites them. EPA
Ms Biden found inspiration from America’s founding documents to deck the White House halls and to remind Americans of what unites them. EPA
A small Christmas tree stands in the middle of the Green Room. AFP
A small Christmas tree stands in the middle of the Green Room. AFP
The US Constitution opens with the phrase, 'We the People', the theme for this year's decorations. AFP
The US Constitution opens with the phrase, 'We the People', the theme for this year's decorations. AFP
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet Mr Biden this week and will be honoured that evening at a White House state dinner, the first of the Biden administration. AFP
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet Mr Biden this week and will be honoured that evening at a White House state dinner, the first of the Biden administration. AFP
More than 150 volunteers began decorating the interior and the exterior of the White House last week and continued through the Thanksgiving holiday. AFP
More than 150 volunteers began decorating the interior and the exterior of the White House last week and continued through the Thanksgiving holiday. AFP
Christmas trees in the China Room. AFP
Christmas trees in the China Room. AFP
Ms Biden and team began planning the decorations in the spring. AFP
Ms Biden and team began planning the decorations in the spring. AFP
Christmas decorations on display in the Grand Foyer of the White House. AFP
Christmas decorations on display in the Grand Foyer of the White House. AFP
Christmas wreaths adorn the outside of the White House. Reuters
Christmas wreaths adorn the outside of the White House. Reuters
Former president Barack Obama's portrait is on display alongside decorations in the Grand Foyer. AP
Former president Barack Obama's portrait is on display alongside decorations in the Grand Foyer. AP
The White House noted that the holiday guide book visitors will receive was designed this year by Las Vegas, Nevada's Daria Peoples. AP
The White House noted that the holiday guide book visitors will receive was designed this year by Las Vegas, Nevada's Daria Peoples. AP
Ms Peoples is a former elementary school teacher who has written and illustrated a series of picture books to support children of colour, including those who have experienced race-based trauma. AP
Ms Peoples is a former elementary school teacher who has written and illustrated a series of picture books to support children of colour, including those who have experienced race-based trauma. AP
Depictions of Commander and Willow, the first family dog and cat, are part of decorations in the East Colonnade. AP
Depictions of Commander and Willow, the first family dog and cat, are part of decorations in the East Colonnade. AP
The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays. AP
The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays. AP
Commander guards the Biden family stockings in the State Dining Room. AFP
Commander guards the Biden family stockings in the State Dining Room. AFP
The Biden family stockings. AFP
The Biden family stockings. AFP
Willow and Commander get frisky in the Vermeil Room of the White House. AP
Willow and Commander get frisky in the Vermeil Room of the White House. AP
A closeup of Willow and Commander. AP
A closeup of Willow and Commander. AP
An owl decoration perches in the East Colonnade. AP
An owl decoration perches in the East Colonnade. AP
A gingerbread White House in the State Dining room is displayed in front of a copy of the preamble of the US Constitution. AFP
A gingerbread White House in the State Dining room is displayed in front of a copy of the preamble of the US Constitution. AFP
A copy of the first lady's apple crisp recipe decorates a fireplace mantel in the China Room. AP
A copy of the first lady's apple crisp recipe decorates a fireplace mantel in the China Room. AP
Members of the US Marine Band play holiday music in the Grand Foyer. AFP
Members of the US Marine Band play holiday music in the Grand Foyer. AFP
Commander sports a red scarf while decorators decked out Willow the cat with a festive red bow. AFP
Commander sports a red scarf while decorators decked out Willow the cat with a festive red bow. AFP
A menorah that was built by White House carpenters from wood that was removed during a Truman-era renovation is on display in the Cross Hall of the White House. AP
A menorah that was built by White House carpenters from wood that was removed during a Truman-era renovation is on display in the Cross Hall of the White House. AP
A depiction of Commander is on display in the State Dining Room. AP
A depiction of Commander is on display in the State Dining Room. AP
Getting%20there
%3Cp%3EGiven%20its%20remote%20location%2C%20getting%20to%20Borneo%20can%20feel%20daunting%20even%20for%20the%20most%20seasoned%20traveller.%20But%20you%20can%20fly%20directly%20from%20Kuala%20Lumpur%20to%20Sandakan%20and%20Sepilok%20is%20only%20half%20an%20hour%20away%20by%20taxi.%20Sandakan%20has%20plenty%20of%20accommodation%20options%2C%20while%20Sepilok%20has%20a%20few%20nature%20lodges%20close%20to%20the%20main%20attractions.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
While you're here
The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

While you're here
Our commentary on Brexit
UAE currency
More from this package

'Tell the Machine Goodnight' by Katie Williams 
Penguin Randomhouse

On Women's Day
War and the virus
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
More from our neighbourhood series:
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
You might also like
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY PROFILE

● Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

While you're here

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

On Women's Day
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

more from Janine di Giovanni
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ultra processed foods

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Updated: December 01, 2022, 3:01 AM`
USWashingtonChristmas 2025