Obamas get into holiday spirit at benefit concert

Obamas get into holiday spirit at benefit concert


5 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obamas celebrated the holiday season Sunday with "The Rock" and singers Rita Ora and Darius Rucker.

President Barack Obama and his family attended the 33rd annual "Christmas in Washington" concert Sunday at the National Building Museum. The event is a benefit for the Children's National Health System.

Before the concert, Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, presented gifts— including a basket of children's books— to former patients of the center. The six youngsters, dressed as elves, posed for portraits with the first family.

"Fast and Furious" actor Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," hosted the concert and sang his own rendition of "Deck the Halls."

Other performers at the Christmas celebration included Christina Perri, Aloe Blacc and Earth, Wind and Fire. Obama bopped his head to Hunter Hayes' version of the Chuck Berry hit "Run, Run Rudolph."

Following the carols, Obama reminded guests of the reason for the holiday.

"Jesus lived a life of peace, love, kindness and forgiveness," he said. "During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, may we all do our best to follow his example."

Obama also thanked service members for their sacrifices.

The concert will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photos

Most recent Entertainment stories

STACY A. ANDERSON

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast