Washington  - The White House took on an eerie glow on Saturday as the Obamas welcomed 2,000 Washington-area school children to a Halloween party.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama gave trick- or-treaters goody bags filled with a package of M&Ms bearing an official White House seal, dried fruit and a cookie shaped like the building.

The first lady got into the holiday spirit, wearing a leopard- print sweater and ears, but her husband stuck to a more subdued black sweater.

Even though Barack Obama skipped the costume, other officials shed their usually staid suits for Halloween duds. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs came as Darth Vader from the classic Star Wars films and UN ambassador Susan Rice was Goofy, an animated Disney character.

Little monsters, princesses and ghosts filled the lawn of the White House, which was bathed in orange lights with giant spider webs hanging from its columns. A band dressed as skeletons provided entertainment along with performers costumed as giant butterflies, walking trees and a scuba diver.

Several hundred military families also attended a party inside the house.

The traditional US holiday features costume parties and children in costumes going door-to-door to gather candy from neighbours.

But a visit to the White House went above and beyond the standard Halloween treats.

"You're not going to see that history going door-to-door," said Kelli Adams, who brought her three children to the event. (dpa)