WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden presided over the lighting of the National Christmas tree for his final time as commander-in-chief on Thursday night.

The 30-foot red spruce sits on the White House Ellipse. The tree arrived at the Executive Mansion on Nov. 15 from Grayson County, Virginia.

During brief remarks at the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, President Biden shared his wish for the nation now and going forward.

“We continue to seek the light of liberty and love, kindness and compassion, dignity and decency,” Biden said.

Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were also in attendance. First lady Jill Biden couldn’t make the ceremony because she was in Qatar as part of her last solo foreign trip.

“This Christmas tree lighting is one of my wife Jill’s favorite events, so she truly regrets not being here tonight,” Biden said. “She sends her best wishes to all of you.”

The ceremony included special performances by Mickey Guyton, Trombone Shorty and Trisha Yearwood, among others.

The tree will be lit through Jan. 1 from sunset until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.