First Lady Melania Trump watches ballerinas perform during her 2017 tour of the White House Christmas decorations

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have taken delivery of the annual White House Christmas tree.

The annual event is watched around the world, with this year’s tree standing 19 and a half feet tall.

The North Carolina-grown tree arrived via horse and carriage as is tradition.

The tradition of the White House Christmas tree dates back to 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison placed the first tree in the Yellow Room, decorated with candles.

Mountain Top Fraser Fir’s Larry Smith was named “Grand Champion” in the National Christmas Tree Association’s contest last summer, earning the right to have his tree in the White House.

“I feel as though I have finally won the Super Bowl. It’s a great honor to represent the Christmas tree industry by providing the Official White House Christmas Tree in 2018,” Mr Smith said.

To see how the event unfolded

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