Washington  - US President George W Bush marked his last Christmas in the White House at the lighting of the national Christmas tree on Thursday.

First Lady Laura Bush and two young daughters of US military servicemen threw a switch to turn on the thousands of lights on the tree, in a tradition that dates back 85 years. In his remarks, Bush paid tribute to military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, away from their families during the holiday.

The live, 12-metre-high blue spruce, standing on the Ellipse outside the White House, has been lit by every president since the current tree came into use in 1978. It is surrounded by smaller trees representing each of the 50 states plus the US territories.

The crowd was serenaded by Santa Claus and other performers, and Bush joked that the man in the red suit might have to lend him his transportation next year after he leaves office.

"You may know that Laura and I will have a lot of time next year. The problem is we'll be short an airplane. Have you got an extra sleigh?" Bush asked. (dpa)