Contest-winning White House Christmas Tree chopped down ahead of holidays

The White House Christmas Tree is getting ready for the holidays.

Earlier this year, the National Christmas Tree Association held a contest in which growers, industry experts and consumers voted on this year's official White House tree. The winner was a Balsam-Veitch fir from Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto, Wisconsin, which stands at more than 19 feet tall and more than 12 feet wide.

It was cut down during a ceremony on Nov. 15 and will be displayed this holiday season in the Blue Room of the White House.

The indoor White House Christmas Tree - chosen by the National Christmas Tree Association - is not to be confused with the National Christmas Tree, which is outdoors.