White House Christmas tree arrives

First lady Michelle Obama, her daughters Sasha and Malia, and first dog Bo welcomed the White House Christmas tree on Friday morning. 

The 19-foot Fraser Fir from North Carolina arrived in a carriage drawn by two Clydesdale horses, as the Marine Band played "Oh, Christmas Tree."

The tree was chosen in early October by the National Christmas Tree Association and harvested last week from Peak Farms in Jefferson, N.C. It will be displayed in the Blue Room, located on the first floor of the White House and typically used for receiving and greeting guests.

The association has presented the official White House Christmas trees to be placed in the Blue Room since 1966, according to the White House.

Vice President Joe Biden will also host Christmas trees from North Carolina in his home this season, according to reports. 

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told local North Carolina station WISTV 13 that the vice president’s trees would come from Cool Springs Nursery in Banner Elk.

“This is the first time the White House tree and vice president's tree have come from the same state,” said Troxler.

Meanwhile, the Capitol's Christmas tree is scheduled to arrive from the White River National Forest in Colorado on Monday, according to the Architect of the Capitol.

“The arrival and lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree, sure to include visitors from the world over, will help kick off our celebration of the season of peace and joy,” said Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a written statement. 

The majority leader is slated to light the 65-foot tree during the Capitol's tree-lighting ceremony on Tuesday. The White House Christmas tree will have its own ceremony on Wednesday. 

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