In the spirit of the season, whoever books the entertainment for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree surely had the songwriter's heart in mind -- the likes of blue icon B.B. King (pictured leaving the ceremony), My Morning Jacket's Jim James and songstress Ingrid Michaelson serenaded a host of onlookers this evening during the 88th lighting of the National Christmas Tree at Washington D.C's President's Park. The hour-long special was hosted by rapper Common, with the Obama's attending alongside a bevy of park rangers.

While it was evident that pop band Maroon 5 had the top billing -- as they paid tribute to John Lennon with 'Happy Christmas (War Is Over)' -- it was B.B. King sitting in with the U.S. Coast Guard Band, showing off his signature guitar licks on one of his more well known holiday tunes, 'Merry Christmas Baby,' that stole the show. Earlier in the evening, a cold looking Jim James also performed with the Coast Guard Band, doing a slow, soulful rendition of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.' Longtime followers of James know that taking on a holiday tune isn't something new to him -- way back in 2000, My Morning Jacket released 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!,' a five-song EP that included 'Santa Claus is Back in Town' and 'Christmas Time is Here Again.'

Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles kicked off the evening with 'Winter Song,' a duet they previously performed together on the holiday compilation 'The Hotel Café Presents...Winter Songs.'

Though the temperatures were seasonally appropriate in Washington -- everyone was bundled up -- fans could sit comfortably in their own homes with a nice cozy webstream, which be available for replays beginning on Friday, December 12.

Article by Michael D. Ayers, Spinner.com