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Dec. 1, 2016 / 6:41 PM

Obamas illuminate National Christmas Tree for final time

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Sasha Obama wave to the crowd after pushing the ceremonial button to light the national Christmas tree on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Thursday Pool Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI

1 of 10 | President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Sasha Obama wave to the crowd after pushing the ceremonial button to light the national Christmas tree on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Thursday Pool Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The first family lit the National Christmas Tree in Washington on Thursday.

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their two girls, Malia and Sasha, gathered on the Ellipse near the White House and flipped the switch at 3 p.m. EST Thursday.

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It was the final time they will light the three in Obama's presidency.

Before hitting the lights, the first lady read aloud "The Night Before Christmas" to children who had gathered at the site.

Lighting the national tree is a tradition the president of the United States undertakes every holiday season.

The ceremony also rounded out the National Park Service's Centennial year, which the president has touted all year long.

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