The holiday season got a little brighter for Sasha and Malia Obama, who attended the 92nd annual tree lighting ceremony in Washington D.C. earlier this week. The teens smiled while watching the performances and presentations leading up to the big event. Sasha and Malia beamed with the Christmas tree as the greenery illuminated the area.

Patti LaBelle and Steve Miller were two of many artists to perform onstage during the ceremony. President Obama deemed the tree as a symbol of hope and holiday spirit during his speech.

The commander-in-chief also said, “The story that we remember this season dates back more than 2,000 years. It’s the story of hope –- the birth of a singular child into the simplest of circumstances -– a child who would grow up to live a life of humility, and kindness, and compassion; who traveled with a message of empathy and understanding; who taught us to care for the poor, and the marginalized, and those who are different from ourselves. And more than two millennia later, the way he lived still compels us to do our best to build a more just and tolerant and decent world.”

The national tree lighting ceremony was held just steps away from the White House. Watch a snippet of the event here.

Photo: Reuters/Associated Press