Bidens help light National Christmas Tree outside White House

This was the 99th National Christmas Tree Lighting.

The Christmas season has begun in Washington, with bright lights, festive trees and a touch of bipartisanship in the spirt of the holiday.

President Joe Biden, joined by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, lit the National Christmas Tree outside the White House on Thursday evening.

The president delivered a message of optimism, telling the crowd of first responders and military families, "We have so much ahead of us."

"We are a great nation because of you, the American people," Biden said. "You've made me so optimistic."