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.

Little monsters, princesses and ghosts filled the lawn of the White House, which was bathed in orange lights. A band dressed as skeletons provided entertainment along with performers costumed as giant butterflies.

Children were given a goody bag filled with a package of M&Ms bearing an official White House seal, dried fruit and a cookie shaped like the building.

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)