Stars come out for Christmas in Washington as Obama family join Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson and Conan O'Brien to sing carols

The Obamas got in the festive spirit by singing with musical stars Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and The Band Perry at the 30th annual Christmas In Washington concert tonight.

The President, wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha and mother-in-law Marian Robinson attended the concert to benefit the Children's National Medical Center in the capital.

The concert of Christmas carols took place at the National Building Museum and was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.

Singing with the stars: (l-r) Conan O'Brien, Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia, Barack, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and Justin Bieber attend the Christmas In Washington concert tonight

Santa's little helpers: Barack Obama and wife Michelle along with daughters Sasha (left) and Malia greet patients from the Children's Medical Center dressed as elves at the annual Christmas In Washington concert

In honour of the 'season to celebrate miracles', Obama spoke about the story of Jesus' birth during a short speech to the crowd.

He said the story of Jesus Christ has changed the world by teaching basic values such as loving one another, serving the less fortunate and keeping faith.

Obama said: 'Those are values that are shared by all faiths. Let us all rededicate ourselves to each other in that spirit.'

Before the concert, the Obamas greeted patients of the children's medical center dressed as elves and presented them with a basket of books.

Looking festive: The Obama family gather under the Christmas tree as they attend the 30th fundraising carol concert in the capital

Obama playfully struggled to lift the basket and asked the elves to help him place it under the Christmas tree.

Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, The Band Perry and Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice took turns singing holiday classics. Bieber, 17, sang his Christmas hit Mistletoe.

Jennifer Hudson sang Do You Hear What I Hear with the help of the American Family Choir.

She told the crowd: 'I don't know how many times I've sang for the president, but every time feels like the first time.'

Other entertainers included the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, United States Army Band Herald Trumpets, Ian Fraser and the Christmas In Washington Orchestra.

To end the evening, the First family gathered with the performers to sing Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

The concert will air Friday on TNT.

The most wonderful time of the year: President high-fives a young patient as they excitedly crowd round the Obamas at the carol concert in the National Building Museum