visit white house christmas tree

Request tickets now: How to visit the White House at Christmastime

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

We have a long (and always growing) list of trips we want to take, from which we create and build our travel dreams. One dream that had been shining at the top of the list for quite some time was a Christmas visit to the White House. We love the holidays, and -- politics and partisanship aside -- admire the elegance and importance of the White House. We knew visiting while it is decked in its holiday finest would be a memorable treat.

But, as we have discovered in the past, wanting to visit the White House and getting to visit the White House are two very different things. Before we get to the holiday magic we saw inside The People's House, let's look at what it takes to get in the door.

How to visit the White House

To arrange a White House visit , you need to contact the office of your congressional representative. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance of your anticipated travel dates, which means you may be booking your trip to DC before you know if you will get approved for a White House visit. However, the sooner you apply the better, because the tours only allow a limited number of people each day. If you want to take a tour at Christmastime, send in your request in September.

Your chances of securing a tour spot will be better if you can designate multiple days on your trip when you would be available for a tour. Once the request is submitted by the office of your representative, White House Tours will contact you for security information. Unfortunately for advance planners, the outcome of your request won't be known until 10 to 14 days before your date(s). If the White House visit is only a part of a planned DC visit, then it may not be a big deal. But if a White House tour is the sole or primary reason for your trip, that late notice could create some last-minute adjustments to your plans. Tours are typically scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tours are free, but subject to change due to White House scheduling and events that cannot be foreseen.

Planning our holiday White House visit

The official White House Christmas tree is usually delivered the day after Thanksgiving, when decorating the property for Christmas is in full swing. The seasonal décor is ready for public viewing a few days after Thanksgiving. Our request for a Christmastime tour was submitted on Sept. 10 for a Dec. 11, 12 or 13 visit. We found out via email on Friday, Nov. 30 that we were approved and accepted for our visit.

With that approval in hand, we found a cheap Spirit Airlines flight into Baltimore for $64. Normally, we would have used 5,000 Spirit miles to cover the fare, but because we were so close to our travel date, reward booking fees were more than the actual cost of the flight, so that strategy didn't work. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Baltimore using points or cash. Since we arrived pretty late in the evening, we just booked a decent cash rate at the Aloft BWI Baltimore Airport and rested for the night. The same hotel (a Category 3 Marriott property) can be booked for 17,500 Marriott points.

Once we headed to Washington, DC, we stayed at to the Hyatt Place White House, which we have visited in the past. It is within easy walking distance to the White House, includes free breakfast and only costs 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night. The nearby Grand Hyatt Washington is also a good choice at 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night, especially if you have access to its club lounge (which our daughter, Mommy Points, has scored for us on some trips). Either could be booked with a Hyatt Category 1–4 award from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, though we just used points earned from that card on this trip.

To avoid spending extra time, money and an additional night in the DC area, we ponied up $200+ each for a United nonstop evening flight home from Washington National directly to our home airport in Houston. It wasn't a great deal financially, but maximized our time and energy during the busy holiday season.

Visiting the White House at Christmas

As the precious few days passed from our approval to our departure, we held our breath that our tour would not be affected by a Christmas cancellation. Even as we approached the tour entrance, we kept one eye out for unusual Secret Service movement and the other eye scanning our phone looking for breaking news that might bear bad tidings. Fortunately, we were greeted by an open gate and a welcoming gesture and into the line we went.

The Secret Service officer checked our IDs and cross-checked the master list to verify if we were indeed on "the nice list." Three additional screenings later and we were ready to enter the White House.

The tour enters from the East Wing, where we passed through a hallway that led to the first of many grand Christmas trees. The initial tree was dedicated to the Gold Star families of our armed forces and was decorated in red and blue ribbons and rich gold ornaments.

As we turned the corner, we came up the East Colonnade, which was lined on both sides with bright red berry trees of varying heights naturally lit by the multiple large windows that look out into the Kennedy Garden. The trees had received some unfavorable reviews when first introduced, and we were curious as to what our impression would be in person. When standing in front of the trees, we found them to be colorful, festive and appropriate for the season. A muted green carpet provided a seasonal balance to the somewhat narrow walkway. Judging by the number of photos being taken of the trees, they seem to be a hit with the crowd. Fortunately, cameras (with some limitations) are permitted on the White House tour.

The next interesting encounter was the display of official White House Christmas cards from presidents over the past 91 years. Sixteen administrations were covered; their choices reflected not only each president's personal style and attitude, but also graphically illustrated the number of Christmases each experienced as the leader of our country. Eisenhower, Reagan, Bush 43, Clinton and Obama all had eight cards. Johnson and Nixon had five, Carter and Bush 41 had four, Ford had three, Kennedy only two and Trump also had two. We found this exhibit to be a poignant and educational history lesson with a direct seasonal correlation.

After this point we physically entered the White House proper and enjoyed rooms with familiar names: the China Room, the Vermeil Room and the Library. Of these three, the Library was my personal favorite. The room emitted a warm and comfortable glow, and one could easily imagine a classic Christmas carol playing quietly in the background.

Next, we ascended to the state floor via a significant wooden stairway to the East Room, the largest and most utilized room in the Executive Mansion. It has been the site of press conferences, Medal of Honor presentation ceremonies, entertainment, weddings, funerals and even a senior prom. Large chandeliers, grandiose garlanded mirrors and gold-hued drapes elegantly highlighted the room while two 14-foot fir trees flanked a traditional Nativity scene that was in its 51st year of display. The East Room traditionally is quite spacious and open with few furnishings.

After exiting the East Room, the famous Red, Green and Blue rooms were only steps away. The Green Room now serves as a parlor for small receptions. Its decorative theme for the holidays illustrated and highlighted the great work ethic of American farmers and the fruits of their labor. Harvested produce, grains and nuts were found in the garland on the mantle, the boughs of the tree and as accents on the tables.

The oval-shaped Blue Room is an elegant, handsome and inviting space that most would love to have in their own homes. It occupies the center of the White House, and its windows look out onto the South Lawn and toward the Washington and Jefferson monuments. The Blue Room is often used by the president to receive guests, but during Christmastime, this room proudly plays host to the official White House Christmas tree. When viewing the White House from outside, the 18-foot North Carolina-grown Fraser fir is easily seen through the South Portico.

The Blue Room just feels like what I think of when I envision the best of America, and the tree there was decorated to enhance this ambience. A long continuous blue velvet ribbon curled itself throughout the tree with the names of all the states and territories proudly embroidered with a rich gold thread. Red and gold ornaments filled the green branches that reached toward and touched the ornate ceiling medallion.

(As an aside, the Blue Room, due to its shape and position in The White House, might lead an outsider to assume this is where the Oval Office must be located. In reality, the Oval Office is not in the White House proper, but down in the West Wing in an area not visible to the public.)

The Red Room's bold color grabs your total attention as you enter its doorway. The centerpiece tree was adorned with ornaments depicting popular activities of American youth ranging from sports to drama to music. The contrast of the white Italian marble fireplace and mantle with the red, green and white garland spray was simply stunning and, in keeping with the spirit of the tree, fun.

A meal is sadly not included in the White House tour, but, if it was, the State Dining Room would be the logical place for it to be served. It can accommodate over 100 guests, but my blue jeans likely would have needed a serious upgrade. Eagles support the furniture and topped the trees in homage to one of our national symbols. A large edible gingerbread creation sat under one of the classic White House mirrors and depicted famous monuments and structures on the National Mall. The piece was made with almost 400 pounds of ingredients by the pastry team.

And, if the White House had not already impressed you enough with its Christmas trappings, when we passed the Kennedy portrait into the Entrance and Cross halls, we came upon an indoor forest of Christmas treasure.

Thousands of red ornaments lined the hallway and graced the trees' deep green branches. The scene was so rich with Christmas spirit that we fully expected Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to come out from behind the trees singing "White Christmas" at any second. The projected light on the ceiling added sparkle and pizzazz to a room that was already a full holiday palette. The presidential seal rising above the multilayered décor was a popular photo op for all.

This space was about 2,500 square feet of elegance and color. It was hard to absorb it all in the time allotted, but easy to love. We were the last two to leave for the day, and we lingered and looked as much as we could. We could have easily spent longer reflecting on all we had seen, but the business of the White House had to go on.

It was such a privilege and thrill to tour "The People's House" at Christmas. Even though we are very common people, we felt special because we had this opportunity. It was a great Christmas gift, indeed.

Other holiday sights in Washington, DC

The White House tour was the reason for the trip, but since we were there, we also took full advantage of some other DC Christmas traditions and offerings that we would recommend to others, including visiting the trees at the US Capitol, the Supreme Court and Union Station.

The United States Botanic Garden had a beautiful display of scale model monuments made entirely of plant material. The same artistic skill and methods were used to build the famous American train depots that were central to the garden's themed "All Aboard" model train exhibit.

We spent part of one evening at the National Christmas Tree located on The Ellipse between the White House and Washington Monument. The tree is surrounded by 56 smaller trees that border a winding walkway and represent each state and territory. Trains are also an integral part of the National Tree display, with multiple sets surrounding the tree's base. Live entertainment is frequently offered, and at dusk, the atmosphere is magical as the red and green lights of the tree glow in the foreground with either the lights of the White House or the evening sky in the background.

Overall, we were blessed with good weather, grand sights and memorable moments. We departed for the trip full of Christmas spirit and came back with even more.

And as an epilogue, our congressman was, coincidentally, on our Thursday evening flight home and our window seat paid dividends as we witnessed two shooting stars as we looked to the north. Or perhaps it was Santa making some practice runs before the big day? Anything is possible.

White House Christmas Tours

Christmas at the White House: Magic, Wonder, & Joy

The white house christmas tree arrival.

White House Christmas Photos

Every November, volunteers from across the country work diligently to decorate the White House for the holiday season. This is a tremendous effort by many dedicated and enthusiastic people. To get an idea of the amount of work involved, read this blog post or that blog post by former volunteers.

White House Christmas Decorations Video

White House Christmas Tour Booklet

The White House welcomes almost 50,000 visitors every year during the holiday season. Visitors receive an official White House Holiday guide. Scroll through the booklet below or download yours here :

White House Christmas Tour Tickets - 2024

White house holiday open house, national christmas tree lighting ceremony.

VISIT The Tree

The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public starting December 2, 2023. Learn more at nps.gov

Over 100 Years: An American Tradition

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, as a local choir and a “quartet” from the U.S. Marine Band performed. Decades later, this American holiday tradition continues to bring citizens together to share in a message of hope and peace.

Ornaments Across the USA

Each year artists give their time and talents to design and create ornaments that symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homelands. Explore ornaments created for the 2023 America Celebrates display.

Plan Your Visit

Need help planning your visit to President’s Park? Check out the park’s website for  operating hours ,  things to do , and  contact information .

Sign Up for National Christmas Tree Lighting News and Updates from the National Park Foundation:

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

By submitting my email I agree to receive correspondence from the National Park Foundation. Privacy Notice: The National Park Foundation adheres to the privacy policy found at nationalparks.org .

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Christmas at the White House

This post covers all of the ways you can celebrate Christmas around the White House in Washington, DC and has been updated for 2024.

For more ideas on what to do during the holiday season in our nation’s capital, be sure to check out our Christmas in DC--Holiday Lights and Markets post.

• Plan Your Visit
• What You'll See
• National Christmas Tree

WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOURS

The White House is very active during the holiday season and is beautifully decorated to celebrate Christmas.

White House Christmas Tours are available throughout the month of December (though any tour can be canceled at any time without notice) when visitors are given the opportunity to see how the public rooms have been festively decorated.

The White House has very limited public tours in December- you can still however see the White House decorations and National Christmas tree on your own or on our Downtown Holiday Lights tour . (We offer a walking tour AND a bus tour!)

Tip:  In addition to planning a White House Christmas Tour, check out our  free, self-guided tour  of the White House area and Lafayette Park!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Free, public tours are available for US and foreign citizens for  White House Christmas Tours .

Self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted) and revolve around the White House schedule.

These tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and can be obtained through contacting your US Member of Congress up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance of requested tour date. Foreign visitors are encouraged to contact their Embassy in order to secure a White House tour.

For all of the other information you need on visiting the White House for a Christmas tour including a virtual White House tour and information on the White House Visitor Center (where you can purchase the official White House 2018 Christmas ornament!) make sure to check out our master post on  Visiting the White House. 

INSIDER TIP: If you cannot get a reservation in advance, you may try to get a Congressional  Member's Pass  distributed monthly by the White House Visitors Office.  

WHAT DO YOU SEE ON THE WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR

For a sneak peek, you can look at the 2017 Program for the White House Christmas Tours.

• East Wing and Movie Theatre - here you'll get a glimpse of the family recreation option in the Movie Theatre, only opened for the first time on this public tour for 2017. In the East Wing, you'll also see the collection of official Christmas Cards sent by past First Families, a tradition started in 1953 under President Eisenhower.
• Library - a personal favorite of ours, keep an eye out for President Teddy Roosevelt's personal copy of Dickens' A Christmas Story which he read here to his family during the holidays.
• Vermeil Room and China Room - a festive display of gifts from around the world and centuries and the china dinnerwear that served those who brought them.
• East Room - this is the largest of the rooms, and the one historically used for entertaining - which began during the Christmas season under President John Adams.
• Green, Blue, and Red Rooms - From local artisans to the official White House Christmas Tree, and a collection of sweet treats, these are some of the most popular stops on the tour!
• State Dining Room - Do you like gingerbread houses? This is where you'll find the traditional White House gingerbread house but don't try to taste it, even though it is made by the White House pastry chefs it is not for eating!
• Grand Foyer - For your final stop, this sparking room marks your exit from the White House with a musical backdrop of patriotic and holiday music.

AND DON'T FORGET .... you can take photos on White House tours! Celebrate the holiday season with this festive and unique thing to do in Washington DC !

HOW TO SEE THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE

Getting to the National Christmas Tree

Located on the Ellipse section of the President’s Park on the south side of the White House, the National Christmas is easily accessible by Metro Rail. The nearest stations to the tree are McPherson Square or Federal Triangle (both Blue/Orange/Silver lines).  

You can use this Google map for directions to the tree .

Tip: The National Christmas Tree is on the way to our tour starting point! Our National Mall Tour starts a block away from the Ellipse, so this is a perfect thing to do before or after joining us on a tour.

Visiting the National Christmas Tree is always free and welcoming to people of all ages!

The tree will be lit daily from dusk to 11pm (though the walkway is closed at 10pm Sun-Thur) yet the tree is always open to visitors if you are unable to make it in the evening when it is lit up.

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS + HISTORY

Surrounding the National Tree are 56 additional smaller pine trees; one for each US state, territory, and the District of Columbia. This year, there are 56 schools from across the country who are participating in decorating one-of-a-kind ornaments to adorn each tree.

For more information on the ornaments and a list of participating schools, click here .

The National Christmas Tree and its lighting have been a holiday tradition since 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge was in office. Be sure to read more about the tree’s colorful history here .

Tip: While visiting the National Christmas Tree don’t miss the adjacent National Menorah! More information is available here .

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Canden Arciniega

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect.

• Learn About the Park
• News Releases

News Release

Visit the national christmas tree this holiday season.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Contact: Chelsea Sullivan , 202-297-2659

WASHINGTON—Celebrate the holidays with a nightly lighting of the National Christmas Tree and take a stroll along the Pathway of Peace at President’s Park. The National Christmas Tree site is now open to visitors through the end of the year. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace are free and do not require tickets.  The National Christmas Tree display is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Jan. 1, 2023. The tree is lit daily around sunset.  

First lit in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the National Christmas Tree continues to inspire people to enjoy cherished traditions and memories made with family and friends in national parks during the holiday season.  Learn more about the history of the National Christmas Tree Lighting.   The Pathway of Peace features 58 small trees decorated with one-of-a-kind ornaments made by students. The trees represent states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.  

Can’t make in in person? Check out the  President’s Park Facebook page for photos of the ornaments!    

Last updated: December 2, 2022

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

1849 C Street NW Room 1426 Washington, DC 20240

202 208-1631

Stay Connected

2022 Holidays at The White House: "We The People"

Explore rooms throughout the white house holiday décor which represents what brings us together during the holidays and throughout the year, the white house, we the people.

These words are the foundation of our extraordinary country and the Soul of our Nation. At the holidays, Americans come together each year in fellowship and faith, reminding us that we are stronger in community than we are apart. 

Each room and design element throughout the White House holiday décor represents what brings us together during the holidays and throughout the year.

“As our country gathers for the holidays, traditions may vary, but our shared American values — a belief in possibility, optimism, and unity — endure season after season,” – the President and First Lady wrote in the commemorative 2022  White House Holiday Visitors’ Guide.

1. East Wing – Honor & Remembrance

The bells that adorn the East Entrance of the White House symbolize the unifying and healing power of music, welcoming guests with melody and song.

Holiday greenery and red cardinals line the columns and beams of the East Wing Lobby. Many people believe that red cardinals signify the presence of lost loved ones. The idea of We the People recognizes the profound impact of those who came before us.

2. Gold Star Trees

The first Christmas trees featured on the White House tour are adorned with mirrored Gold Star ornaments that are inscribed with the names of fallen service members. 

The Gold Star trees honor the heroic men and women of our Nation’s military who have laid down their lives for our country, those who are Missing in Action, and the families who carry on their legacies.

3. East Colonnade

Winter trees, handmade woodland animals, and glowing lanterns line the journey down the East Colonnade, evoking the feelings of peace and tranquility after the first snowfall.

4. Library – Words & Stories

The Library celebrates how the stories we share bring us closer to the people we love, the world around us, and our unfolding history. 

With décor inspired by literature, history, and education, the Library honors how lines on a page can ignite our imaginations, spur spirited dialogue, and remind us of the connections that transcend culture, distance, and even time.

On display in the Library is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed circa 1845. This engraving was donated to the White House in 1985.

5. Vermeil Room – Kindness & Gratitude

The décor of the Vermeil Room (French for gilded silver) represents the different ways we show appreciation for each other and give back to our communities. The smallest acts of kindness really matter.

The Vermeil Room is decked with presents wrapped in playful patterns of paper, spools of ribbon, and homemade gifts waiting to be discovered on a neighbor’s porch. 

Illustrations of the Biden family’s pets—Commander and Willow—make a surprise appearance in the Vermeil Room, reminding us of the gift of unconditional love.

Boxes from Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that delivers care packages to deployed troops, first responders, and military families, are incorporated into the room’s displays, signifying the joy and meaning that come from giving back to those who serve others.

6. China Room – Food & Traditions

The design elements of the China Room are meant to remind us of family traditions passed down through generations, overflowing kitchens that smell like familiar recipes, and crowded dining room tables filled with laughter. 

Wrapping the branches of the room’s Christmas trees and mantels are garlands of wooden spoons, measuring cups, rolling pins, and cookies that are reminiscent of baking treats in your grandma’s kitchen. 

Throughout the room are well-worn recipe cards, contributed by the volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays.

The China Room, which was formalized by First Lady Edith Wilson in 1917, houses tableware used by past presidential families. 

7. East Room – Nature & Recreation

From the Everglades to the Rocky Mountains, from the Painted Desert to the Great Lakes, our country is home to breathtaking natural wonders—and they belong to us all. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. 

Groupings of snowy trees fill the corners of the room, with children ready to play outside. 

As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.

As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. 

The Neapolitan crèche, with over 40 figurines, most dating back to the eighteenth century, is displayed here as it has been during every holiday season since 1967.

8. Green Room – Sounds & Songs

Music is woven into the harmony and history of our country. The healing and unifying power of music brings us together in common movement and melody. 

Inspired by the choral masterpieces and familiar carols that have defined the holidays for generations, the décor features sleigh bells, hand bells, and jingle bells to signal the sounds and songs of the season.

9. Blue Room – Unity & Hope

In the Blue Room, renderings of the official birds from all 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia adorn the Official White House Christmas Tree, illustrating the beauty and strength that comes from unity.

The individual tree trimmings shine on their own, but woven together, this unified collection transforms a humble fir into a stunning symbol of We the People.

The centerpiece of the holiday season, an 18.5 foot Concolor Fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania, stands floor to ceiling and fills the oval room. Every year, the room’s chandelier is removed to accommodate the Christmas tree’s full height.

This year’s tree was presented by the Shealer Family of Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm, the 2022 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association’s annual contest.

10. Red Room – Faith & Light

In times of both grief and joy, faith can light the way forward. In the Red Room, towers of candles and glowing stained-glass windows reflect the comfort, peace, and strength we find in faith.

It’s often in quiet, candlelit rooms when we can see most clearly and feel most connected to ourselves and the world around us.

A Red Room tradition since 1975, fresh cranberries are part of the room’s holiday display. Also featured this year are orchids, one of the First Lady’s favorite flowers.

11. State Dining Room – We the Children

Embodied in the idea of We the People is the promise of the next generation. In the State Dining Room, the décor celebrates the childlike wonder that makes the holiday season a favorite time of year for so many. 

The ornaments on the Christmas trees were crafted as self-portraits by the students of the 2021 Teachers of the Year from across the country, ensuring that children see themselves in this year’s holiday display.

Hanging from the fireplace mantel are the traditional Biden family stockings for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve, always with an orange in the toe (a tradition from the First Lady’s grandmother).

11. 2022 Gingerbread White House

A favorite of children of all ages is the official 2022 Gingerbread White House, placed in its honored position on the eagle pier table in the State Dining Room.

Inspired by this year’s theme of We the People, the display also includes a sugar cookie replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed at Independence Hall.

12. The White House Menorah

A new addition to the White House collection is a menorah created by the Executive Residence Carpentry Shop. The menorah was constructed using wood that was removed circa 1950 during a Truman-era renovation, and is located in the Cross Hall.

13. The Grand Foyer & Cross Hall

A Celebration of We the People -- A new addition to the White House collection is a menorah created by the Executive Residence Carpentry Shop. The menorah was constructed using wood that was removed circa 1950 during a Truman-era renovation, and is located in the Cross Hall.

In the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall of the White House, metal ribbons are inscribed with the names of all the 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, and mark the year each entered the Union.

Mirrored ornaments and reflective surfaces ensure that visitors can see themselves in the décor, noting that the strength of our country—the Soul of our Nation—comes from We the People.

Welcome to the White House

Virtual tour of the art and decor of the white house: the state floor, 2021 holidays at the white house: “gifts from the heart”, virtual tour of the art and decor of the white house: the ground floor, virtual tour of the eisenhower executive office building.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

First lady Jill Biden unveils this year's White House Christmas decorations

Ayana Archie

The official Christmas tree, an 18-foot-tall Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, N.C., stands in the center of the oval Blue Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House on Monday. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

The official Christmas tree, an 18-foot-tall Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, N.C., stands in the center of the oval Blue Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House on Monday.

A winter wonderland has arrived at the White House, as first lady Jill Biden unveiled this year's decorative theme for the Christmas season on Monday.

The theme, "Magic, Wonder, and Joy," is inspired by children's experiences of the season: "completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays," Biden said.

First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House on Monday. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House on Monday.

Throughout the White House grounds are 98 Christmas trees, almost 34,000 ornaments, 72 wreaths and about 142,000 holiday lights.

A longer Advent helps some Christians prepare for more than Christmas

The China Room is decorated to become the "White House Sweet Shop." The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

The China Room is decorated to become the "White House Sweet Shop." The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season.

Here are some of the decor highlights:

• The Blue Room displays the official White House tree, an 18.5 foot Fraser Fir that reaches from the floor to the ceiling and was sourced from North Carolina. The tree has the names of all the U.S. states, territories and Washington, D.C. A toy train chugs around the bottom of the tree.
• The ornaments on the Gold Star Christmas tree are engraved with the names of military servicemen who have died. 
• The marble arches in the Ground Floor Corridor are decorated with letters to Santa and holiday messages from around the country. Biden thanked the correspondence volunteers who keep in touch with Americans year round. This area also features various editions of the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore to commemorate its 200th anniversary. 
• The East Room , the largest room in the White House, features a Nativity scene and Advent calendars counting down the days to Christmas, with surprises behind each number. 
• The China Room is filled with sweet treats, such as cakes, cookies and gingerbread. 
• In the Red Room are ornaments that have the hand prints and family portraits of children who belong to military families. 
• The State Dining Room has a rendition of Santa's workshop, equipped with workbenches, stools and ladders leading up to the Christmas trees. The room also features a gingerbread replica of the White House. 

This family's game board is a treasured Hannukah relic

The ornaments on the Gold Star Christmas tree are engraved with the names of military servicemen who have died. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The ornaments on the Gold Star Christmas tree are engraved with the names of military servicemen who have died.

More than 300 volunteers worked for over a week to decorate the White House.

To schedule a tour of the White House to see the decorations, you can email your House representative.

Santa Claus in his sleigh and a team of reindeer fly through the columns of the Entrance Hall of the White House. The theme for this year's White House decorations is "Magic, Wonder and Joy." Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

Santa Claus in his sleigh and a team of reindeer fly through the columns of the Entrance Hall of the White House. The theme for this year's White House decorations is "Magic, Wonder and Joy."

A gingerbread White House is displayed in the State Dining Room. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

A gingerbread White House is displayed in the State Dining Room.

"I know that [magic, wonder and joy] can feel hard to find sometimes as the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder, as our hearts grow heavy in the face of a tumultuous world, as we miss those who are no longer with us – an empty seat at the table of our holiday gatherings. But it's in these times when we are searching for hope and healing...that's when we need each other the most," Biden said.

• White House

• 100 Day Dream Home
• Backed by the Bros
• Bargain Block
• Battle on the Beach
• Celebrity IOU
• Down Home Fab
• Farmhouse Fixer
• Fixer to Fabulous
• Help! I Wrecked My House
• Home Town Takeover
• Married to Real Estate
• My Lottery Dream Home
• No Demo Reno
• Renovation Aloha
• Rock the Block
• Ugliest House in America
• Vacation House Rules
• Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
• Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?
• Zillow Gone Wild
• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• Hit the Road $5K Giveaway
• Throw It on the Grill $10K Giveaway
• Outdoor More $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Smart Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule

White House Christmas 2022

• Photo Galleries

Feast Your Eyes on the White House Christmas Tour 2022

Transforming 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. into a winter wonderland in three days is a daunting task — but as Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel learned in White House Christmas 2022 , it’s a magical whirlwind. Join HGTV on a tour of the all-American holiday headquarters they helped create.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year

HGTV host Jonathan Scott ( Property Brothers: Forever Home ) and actress Zooey Deschanel headed to Washington, D.C., to pitch in on (and get an unprecedented look at) the seriously hard work staffers and volunteers undertake to bring the holidays to the White House . “I feel like there’s even more at stake this year,” Jonathan said, “because this is the first year since the pandemic they’re allowing the public to come back through for tours, so it's going to be bustling with holiday spirit.”

More photos after this Ad

Jonathan and Zooey didn't simply tour the White House, Jonathan received an assignment that dispatched him to a previously unfilmed part of the complex, and Zooey put the finishing touches on his creation with the White House calligraphy team. Does that qualify as voluntourism? "Everyone is represented, no matter where they live geographically, myself included," Jonathan told HGTV . "I recently became an American citizen only a few years ago, so it really means a lot to be able to celebrate the rich history that America has to offer. This is an exciting day."

We the People

An expected 50,000 visitors will pass through the White House to explore its Christmas decorations this year. First Lady Jill Biden chose the 2022 “We the People” theme because “[t]hese words are the foundation of our extraordinary country and the soul of our Nation,” the official Holidays at the White House guide explains. “At the holidays, Americans come together each year in fellowship and faith, reminding us that we are stronger in community than we are apart.”

Scoring an invitation to pitch in with decorating the White House for the holidays is a bit more straightforward when you’re hosting an HGTV special about it, but this is far from the only way to get involved. This year, the White House opened online applications for volunteer decorators in mid-October and welcomed helpers from all U.S. states and territories, with encouragement for military family members, educators, frontline workers and students to get in touch.

Related Pages

• White House Christmas 2018
• White House Christmas 2019
• The Best Outdoor Christmas Lights to Make Your...
• White House Christmas Decorating Tips
• White House Christmas 2020
• White House Christmas 2021
• HGTV Insider
• White House Christmas

What can we help you find?

While we certainly appreciate historical preservation, it looks like your browser is a bit too historic to properly view whitehousehistory.org. — a browser upgrade should do the trick.

Main Content

• Backgrounders

White House Christmas Traditions

From nineteenth-century celebrations to the extravagant décor and parties of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the White House is full of rich Christmas traditions during the holiday season.

• Nineteenth-century White House Christmases were not grand affairs. Some first families decorated the house with simple boughs of greens and wreaths. They often brought their own traditions with them and privately celebrated with family and friends.
• According to later accounts, the first White House Christmas party was held in December 1800. President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams held it for their four-year-old granddaughter Susanna Boylston Adams, who was living with them. They invited government officials and their children to the party.
• According to family tradition, President Andrew Jackson's 1835 "frolic" for the children of his household was one of the most elaborate parties ever held at the White House. It included games, dancing and a grand dinner, and ended with an indoor "snowball fight" using specially made cotton balls.
• The first known Christmas tree in the White House was placed upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room (then used as a family parlor and library) in 1889 (during the Benjamin Harrison administration). It was decorated with candles for the Harrison grandchildren.
• Not all White House families after the Harrisons set up Christmas trees. The tradition typically depended on one of the following: the presence of young children or grandchildren; if the first families were in residence at the White House during the holiday; or if the family traditionally celebrated Christmas with a tree.
• Documentation suggests the first electric lights on a family tree were used in 1894 during the presidency of Grover Cleveland. (Electricity was installed in the White House in 1891).

This is a silver gelatin print of the Yellow Oval Room decorated for Christmas taken by Frank Boteler, ca. 1896. The Yellow Oval Room was used as a library/sitting room during the Cleveland Administration. This is one of the earliest known images of a White House Christmas tree, it is also one of the first photographs of an electrically illuminated Christmas tree. The small, but spectacularly decorated tree is surrounded by children's toys.

Show Me More

• One popular myth suggests that Theodore Roosevelt "banned" Christmas trees at the White House, but there is little evidence to support this beyond the Roosevelts not putting up a tree. The Roosevelts traditionally celebrated the holiday with gifts, church service, and a family meal, but they did not celebrate with a tree. In 1902, Archie Roosevelt snuck a small tree into the White House and hid it upstairs in a closet. He later revealed the decorated tree to his family, starting a new family tradition. The president was amused and allowed it to continue while the family lived at the White House. Historians, commentators, and writers later reasoned that Roosevelt didn’t have a large tree because of his beliefs in conservationism, when in fact it was because the family did not traditionally celebrate Christmas with a tree. The custom of a "Christmas tree" in every house is a relatively modern one.
• The Taft children—Robert, Helen, and Charlie—placed the first tree in the Blue Room on the State Floor in 1912. President William Howard Taft and First Lady Helen Taft were away on a trip to Panama, so the Christmas tree was a surprise for the seven young Laughlin and Herron cousins, who with their parents were guests at the White House.
• Maitre d' and butler Alonzo Fields recalled President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s cherished Christmas family tradition in his memoir, My 21 Years in the White House (1960): “They always braved the hazards of fire by having a Christmas tree lighted with candles in the East Hall. The family tradition included reading of Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol by the president. The gathering of the family with the President and Mrs. Roosevelt, the president's mother, the children and grandchildren made a comely family group of four generations.”
• Although previous presidential administrations displayed Christmas trees indoors throughout the State Floor, it was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who consistently placed a tree in the Blue Room.
• First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room in 1961. That year, the tree was decorated with ornamental toys, birds, angels, and characters from the "Nutcracker Suite" ballet.

This photograph by George F. Mobley shows President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy attending the White House staff Christmas reception. The reception took place on December 12, 1962 in the Entrance Hall of the White House. This would be their last Christmas celebration in the White House.

• The tradition of installing the official tree in the Blue Room was interrupted twice. In 1962, the tree was displayed in the Entrance Hall because of renovation work. In 1969, First Lady Patricia Nixon chose the Entrance Hall for the American Flowers Tree, which was decorated with velvet and satin balls made by disabled workers in Florida and featuring each state’s official flower.
• The National Christmas Tree Association has held a national competition since 1966 for the official White House Blue Room tree. To qualify, growers must first win their state or regional competitions. Being named National Grand Champion is a major achievement.
• Since 1967, an eighteenth-century Neapolitan crèche has been on display in the East Room of the White House. It was donated by Charles and Jayne Engelhard of Far Hills, New Jersey.
• In 1969, White House Assistant Executive Chef Hans Raffert created a traditional German A-frame gingerbread house for the Nixons’ first Christmas in the White House. This became an annual tradition during the Richard Nixon administration and continues today.
• The first cranberry tree was put on display in the Red Room in 1975 during the Gerald R. Ford administration.
• The record for the number of trees in the White House was held for many years by the Dwight Eisenhower administration when 26 trees filled the Executive Mansion in 1959. That mark has been eclipsed on a number of occasions: the Bushes’ “Nutcracker Ballet” theme (47 trees) in 1990; the Clintons’ “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” theme (32 trees) in 1995; the Bushes’ “Home for the Holidays” theme (49 trees) in 2001; the Obamas’ “A Timeless Tradition” theme (62 trees) in 2015; and the Trumps’ “American Treasures” theme (41 trees and more than 40 topiary trees in the East Colonnade) in 2018.

White House Blue Room Christmas Trees by State of Origin Since 1961

• North Carolina: 13
• Pennsylvania: 11
• Wisconsin: 8
• Washington: 7
• West Virginia: 4
• Michigan: 2
• New York: 2
• Massachusetts: 1
• Missouri: 1
• Anonymously Donated from New England: 1

Types of Blue Room Christmas Trees by Number of Occurrences Since 1961 1

President Calvin Coolidge was the first chief executive to preside over the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, doing so on the Ellipse in 1923. Today, the Christmas Pageant of Peace, held there annually since 1954, includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. This interdenominational celebration features the appearance of the first family for the lighting, as well as musical and dance performances.

1 Includes Christmas 2015. Although previous presidential administrations displayed Christmas trees indoors, it was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who consistently placed a tree in the Blue Room and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy who established the tradition of selecting a decorative theme for the Blue Room Christmas tree in 1961. The Blue Room tree tradition was interrupted twice. In 1962, the tree was moved to the Entrance Hall because of renovation work. In 1969, First Lady Patricia Nixon chose to display the tree in the Entrance Hall to make it more visible.

Media Contacts

For all media inquiries, contact [email protected] .

About the White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.

To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org .

The White House Just Unveiled Its Annual Christmas Tree—and It's Full of Nostalgic Holiday Magic

You'll want to see this colorful wonderland of a tree.

The 18½-foot Fraser Fir stands floor to ceiling in the oval-shaped Blue Room. The tree was decorated on this year’s White House holiday theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” to encourage embracing “your inner child and delight in simply being present with those you love,” the President and First Lady wrote in a welcome letter at the beginning of the commemorative 2023 White House Holiday Guide.

Amidst white string lights and colorful ornaments, tags with the name of each state, territory, and the District of Columbia are hung on the tree with red ribbon. Nestled around them are scenes of neighborhoods and cityscapes backlit with white light.

A replica of a vintage passenger train on loan from the Train Collectors Association weaves through a colorful wonderland of tree-lined landscapes at the base, and a large classic red ribbon adorns the top of tree .

This year’s tree was delivered from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the winner of an annual National Christmas Tree Association competition for the coveted spot. Like every year, the Blue Room’s chandelier was removed to make room for the tree’s full height.

As you can see throughout the White House, its holiday theme is inspired by how children experience the season, “completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays,” the President and First Lady wrote.

Also of note this year, a portrait of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away this month at the age of 96, was moved amongst the Christmas decor in the White House and is draped in black bunting.

The first Christmas tree you see inside the White House is decorated with gold star ornaments, each engraved with the names of fallen service members. Elsewhere you can find different editions of the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to mark the 200 th anniversary of its publication, and this year’s Gingerbread White House features a recreation of the tale with a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh flying above the house itself.

Each year more than 300 volunteers from all over the country dedicate a week to help decorate the White House’s interiors and exteriors for Christmas, and this year Dr. Biden invited National Guard families to be the first members of the public to see the décor. Around 100,000 people are expected to visit by the end of the season to take in 98 Christmas trees throughout the White House complex—and 14,975 feet of ribbon, over 350 candles, over 33,892 ornaments, and over 22,100 bells throughout its rooms and hallways.

The first known White House Christmas tree was decorated in 1889 with candles for then-President Benjamin Harrison’s grandchildren, and the Robert, Helen, and Charles Taft were the first to place a tree in the Blue Room in 1912 as a surprise for their cousins who were guests at the house that year. The first year it had a theme was the “Nutcracker Suite” ballet as selected by Jacqueline Kennedy, and the tradition has continued ever since.

Find more information on the White House holiday décor, visit whitehouse.gov/holidays .

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Decorating

34 Stunning Christmas Mantel Decorations

65 of the Best Holiday Decor Ideas of All Time

11 Minimalist Christmas Decorating Ideas

35 Hanukkah Table Decorations for Celebration

20 Timeless Christmas Door Decorations

4 Holiday Decorations That Designers Actually Hate

This Antique Ornament Collection Is Absolute Magic

10 Beautiful Wreaths for an Old-Fashioned Holiday

17 Best Christmas Stockings for a Cozy Mantel

The 27 Most Gorgeous Holiday Wreaths

36 Unique Christmas Tree Ornaments

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Holidays at The White   House

2022 White House Holiday Theme:

We the People

These words are the foundation of our extraordinary country and the Soul of our Nation. At the holidays, Americans come together each year in fellowship and faith, reminding us that we are stronger in community than we are apart. Each room and design element throughout the White House holiday décor represents what brings us together during the holidays and throughout the year.

“As our country gathers for the holidays, traditions may vary, but our shared American values — a belief in possibility, optimism, and unity — endure season after season,”

– the President and First Lady wrote in a welcome letter at the beginning of the commemorative 2022 White House Holiday Visitors’ Guide.

Take the Tour

Come explore the holidays at the White House through a virtual tour!

Honor & Remembrance

The bells that adorn the East Entrance of the White House symbolize the unifying and healing power of music, welcoming guests with melody and song.

Holiday greenery and red cardinals line the columns and beams of the East Wing Lobby. Many people believe that red cardinals signify the presence of lost loved ones. The idea of We the People recognizes the profound impact of those who came before us.

Gold Star Trees

The first Christmas trees featured on the White House tour are adorned with mirrored Gold Star ornaments that are inscribed with the names of fallen service members. The Gold Star trees honor the heroic men and women of our Nation’s military who have laid down their lives for our country, those who are Missing in Action, and the families who carry on their legacies.

East Colonnade

Winter trees, handmade woodland animals, and glowing lanterns line the journey down the East Colonnade, evoking the feelings of peace and tranquility after the first snowfall.

Words & Stories

The Library celebrates how the stories we share bring us closer to the people we love, the world around us, and our unfolding history. With décor inspired by literature, history, and education, the Library honors how lines on a page can ignite our imaginations, spur spirited dialogue, and remind us of the connections that transcend culture, distance, and even time.

On display in the Library is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed circa 1845. This engraving was donated to the White House in 1985.

Vermeil Room

Kindness & Gratitude

The décor of the Vermeil Room (French for gilded silver) represents the different ways we show appreciation for each other and give back to our communities. The smallest acts of kindness really matter.

The Vermeil Room is decked with presents wrapped in playful patterns of paper, spools of ribbon, and homemade gifts waiting to be discovered on a neighbor’s porch. Illustrations of the Biden family’s pets—Commander and Willow—make a surprise appearance in the Vermeil Room, reminding us of the gift of unconditional love. Boxes from Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that delivers care packages to deployed troops, first responders, and military families, are incorporated into the room’s displays, signifying the joy and meaning that come from giving back to those who serve others.

Food & Traditions

The design elements of the China Room are meant to remind us of family traditions passed down through generations, overflowing kitchens that smell like familiar recipes, and crowded dining room tables filled with laughter. Wrapping the branches of the room’s Christmas trees and mantels are garlands of wooden spoons, measuring cups, rolling pins, and cookies that are reminiscent of baking treats in your grandma’s kitchen. Throughout the room are well-worn recipe cards, contributed by the volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays.

The China Room, which was formalized by First Lady Edith Wilson in 1917, houses tableware used by past presidential families. Each set reflects the presidents and first ladies who selected their designs and recalls the State Dinners and celebratory meals that have brought together world leaders and diplomats.

Nature & Recreation

From the Everglades to the Rocky Mountains, from the Painted Desert to the Great Lakes, our country is home to breathtaking natural wonders—and they belong to us all. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. Groupings of snowy trees fill the corners of the room, with children ready to play outside. As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.

As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. It also features a portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt, who helped establish 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks, and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public lands.

The Neapolitan crèche, with over 40 figurines, most dating back to the eighteenth century, is displayed here as it has been during every holiday season since 1967.

Sounds & Songs

Music is woven into the harmony and history of our country. The healing and unifying power of music brings us together in common movement and melody. Inspired by the choral masterpieces and familiar carols that have defined the holidays for generations, the décor features sleigh bells, hand bells, and jingle bells to signal the sounds and songs of the season.

Unity & Hope

In the Blue Room, renderings of the official birds from all 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia adorn the Official White House Christmas Tree, illustrating the beauty and strength that comes from unity. The individual tree trimmings shine on their own, but woven together, this unified collection transforms a humble fir into a stunning symbol of We the People .

The centerpiece of the holiday season, an 18.5 foot Concolor Fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania, stands floor to ceiling and fills the oval room. Every year, the room’s chandelier is removed to accommodate the Christmas tree’s full height. This year’s tree was presented by the Shealer Family of Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm, the 2022 Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association’s annual contest.

Faith & Light

In times of both grief and joy, faith can light the way forward. In the Red Room, towers of candles and glowing stained-glass windows reflect the comfort, peace, and strength we find in faith. It’s often in quiet, candlelit rooms when we can see most clearly and feel most connected to ourselves and the world around us.

A Red Room tradition since 1975, fresh cranberries are part of the room’s holiday display. Also featured this year are orchids, one of the First Lady’s favorite flowers.

State Dining Room

We the Children

Embodied in the idea of We the People is the promise of the next generation. In the State Dining Room, the décor celebrates the childlike wonder that makes the holiday season a favorite time of year for so many. The ornaments on the Christmas trees were crafted as self-portraits by the students of the 2021 Teachers of the Year from across the country, ensuring that children see themselves in this year’s holiday display.

Hanging from the fireplace mantel are the traditional Biden family stockings for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve, always with an orange in the toe (a tradition from the First Lady’s grandmother).

2022 Gingerbread White House

A favorite of children of all ages is the official 2022 Gingerbread White House, placed in its honored position on the eagle pier table in the State Dining Room. Inspired by this year’s theme of We the People , the display also includes a sugar cookie replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed at Independence Hall.

The White House Menorah

A new addition to the White House collection is a menorah created by the Executive Residence Carpentry Shop. The menorah was constructed using wood that was removed circa 1950 during a Truman-era renovation, and is located in the Cross Hall.

The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall

A Celebration of We the People

In the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall of the White House, metal ribbons are inscribed with the names of all the 57 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, and mark the year each entered the Union. Mirrored ornaments and reflective surfaces ensure that visitors can see themselves in the décor, noting that the strength of our country—the Soul of our Nation—comes from We the People .

Get your copy of the

2022 commemorative white house holiday visitors’ guide.

Elementary school teacher, children’s book author and illustrator, Daria Peoples, from Las Vegas, Nevada, created the artwork for the 2022 Commemorative White House Holiday Visitors’ Guide, bringing the First Lady’s holiday theme to life on the page.

How Much Do You Know about the Holidays at the White House?

Click to try again or move on to the next question.

You Got It!

77 Christmas trees are placed throughout the White House.

The Gingerbread White House, placed in the State Dining Room, includes 30 sheets of gingerbread dough.

83,615 lights were used to decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays in the White House.

25 classic wreaths adorn the north and south facades of the White House.

Click to try the previous question again.

It takes an entire week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House. 150 dedicated volunteers from across the country are there to help.

Thank You For Playing, and Happy Holidays From The White House!

2021 Holidays at The White   House

Stay connected.

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.

Visiting the White House During Christmas

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I recently had the opportunity to do something that I hadn’t even thought about before — visiting the White House during Christmas.

I visited Washington, DC to take part in the White House’s first ever Travel Blogger Summit, focusing on making study abroad accessible to more students. While the summit itself was an exciting, inspiring event (and stay tuned for more on what I learned and who I met!), one of the biggest highlights for me personally was getting to see the White House decked out for Christmas.

So many Christmas trees! So many decorations!

Visiting the White House isn’t as easy as rocking up and waiting to get in. For American citizens, you need to submit a request through your congressional representative. For foreign nationals, you need to submit a request through your embassy in Washington, DC.

Requests must be made between 21 days and six months in advance. Tours are self-guided, and you get to walk through the East Wing at your own pace and peruse a pamphlet filled with information.

You can technically visit the White House year-round — but I recommend that you try to do it around Christmas to see the decorations.

Now — why should you come to the White House during Christmas as opposed to any other time of year?

Because it’s beautiful. The Christmas decorations at the White House are legendary — classic, elegant, and the rooms are enveloped in the most wonderful scent of pine. Definitely more Martha Stewart than an avant-garde presentation, but in this environment, classic is exactly what you want. (Plus, giant sculptures of White House dogs Bo and Sunny!)

Because of the history. The East Wing of the White House, as you can imagine, is full of history dating back centuries. It’s great seeing it first-hand in an environment that has been home to the people who shaped the country we live in today.

Because of the guides. The tours are self-guided, but Secret Service officers are present throughout the rooms, giving historical tidbits. These aren’t the stereotypical officers in dark glasses — they were fun and friendly and I ended up chatting with several of them.

Because you can take pictures. Usually, you can’t take pictures on a White House tour, but Christmas is the only time of year that you’re allowed to do so.

Because of the photo ops. Need a shot for your Christmas card this year? Pose underneath the presidential seal with an American flag on one side and the Blue Room’s enormous America the Beautiful-themed Christmas tree behind you.

Still, there are caveats. It’s so hard to get good pictures. Our group had been told that cameras were not permitted, though they technically are permitted during the Christmas season, so we were restricted to our phones. It’s very crowded inside, so it’s hard getting photos without anyone in them, and you can’t get too close to the decorations themselves, so it’s difficult to get any kind of unique photos. Everyone ends up with the same shots.

Even so, though — very well worth it.

What to Wear to the White House

It depressed me when I Googled “what to wear to the White House” and found lots of threads saying how it was okay, you didn’t have to dress up, it would be okay if you wore jeans and sneakers. OF COURSE you should dress up! This is our country’s highest office! It’s a show of respect — and if you’re not going to dress up here, then when are you going to?

I went for a dress and blazer combo with black pantyhose and pumps. Stylish, yet relatively conservative, which is how people dress for business in DC. (My personal method was to choose a dress that I could see the First Lady wearing — and she would totally wear this!)

Hell, make a day of it! I went to Drybar for an early-morning blowout, and if your visit is scheduled for later, you could drop by Sephora and get a free 15-minute makeover. Why not? This is the time!

Yes, theoretically you could walk into the White House wearing old jeans and a hoodie, but really, don’t be that girl.

The Takeaway

I never knew how much I would enjoy seeing the White House all decked out for Christmas! It was really a magical moment to be in such a special place at such a beautiful time of year. I was thoroughly giddy the whole time.

I’m so glad I had this opportunity, and I can’t recommend it highly enough to all of you.

Essential Info: White House visits must be arranged in advance through your congressional representative if you’re a US citizen and through your DC embassy if you’re not a citizen. Visit house.gov to find your representative. Visits can be arranged six months to 21 days in advance. Click here for more information on White House visits, including what you can and can’t bring inside. Christmas season generally begins in early December, though the specific dates can vary year by year. Call ahead to make sure. Photos may only be taken during the Christmas season. Otherwise, mobile phones are permitted, but you may not actually use them in the White House. For more information on the 2014 Christmas decorations, click here. Hotels in Washington D.C. can be found here.

Where’s your favorite place to visit during the Christmas season?

• Early Prime Day deals
• This week's best tech deals
• Apple plans for thinner hardware
• Amazon Prime Day 2024 announced
• The next Nintendo Direct is on June 18

Tour the White House's Christmas decorations on Google Street View

The national christmas tree definitely isn't the white house's only tree this holiday season..

You can now take a tour of the White House's halls decked with Christmas trees and other decor fit for the season — virtually, that is. Google first added the official residence of the President of the United States to the places you can visit on Street View almost a decade ago. But now, you can take a virtual walk of its premises to see how the place has been decorated.

Are you ready for the holidays?! This year, we’re bringing the White House to you.💕 Come on in and explore this season’s decor in 360° with @googlemaps Street View. https://t.co/ZCo62vY9aI pic.twitter.com/MTDRQKqrjK — Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) December 3, 2021

The press office of the First Lady previously said that the administration would launch interactive viewing experiences for the White House's decorations this year. In addition, to the 360-degree Street View experience, there's now a " Holidays at the White House " tour available on the White House Experience mobile and web apps. According to The Hill , tours of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. are currently not available to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so these virtual experiences may be the only way you can get a glimpse of its decorations for the holidays.

The White House is only one of the many historic sites you can visit on Street View — there's also Chile's Palacio de la Moneda, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza, the Palace of Versailles and the Colosseum, among others. If you still can't (or won't travel), maybe a virtual trip or two would be enough to sustain you for now.

Latest Stories

The bose quietcomfort ii earbuds are $100 off right now.

If you're looking for a great set of active noise cancelling earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort II may fit the bill, especially since they're $100 off.

Forza Horizon 4 will be pulled from digital stores and Game Pass in December

Xbox will stop selling Forza Horizon 4 on Steam and the Microsoft Store later this year due to expiring licenses.

Amazon is reportedly working on a new AI chatbot

Amazon is reportedly working on a new AI chatbot called Metis.

This cute pink blob could lead to realistic robot skin

A team of scientists from the University of Tokyo and Harvard University are studying a method that can be used to attach synthetic skin to robots.

Verizon will pay a $1 million fine to settle a 911 outage investigation

Verizon has agreed to pay just over $1 million and implement a compliance plan to settle an FCC investigation over a 911 outage.

Rabbit R1 security issue allegedly leaves sensitive user data accessible to anybody

The team behind Rabbitude, the community-formed reverse engineering project for the Rabbit R1, has revealed finding a security issue with the company's code that left users' sensitive information accessible to everyone.

The Morning After: Microsoft might be the latest company to violate antitrust laws

The biggest news stories this morning: UE’s Everboom speaker is a smaller, floatable version of its Epicboom, Tesla’s Cybertruck has been recalled again, Samsung’s next Unpacked event is set for July 10.

How to choose the best TV for gaming right now

Here's a guide to picking the best TVs for 4K gaming, plus a few of the best gaming TVs you can get right now.

UE's Everboom speaker is a smaller, floatable version of its Epicboom

Ultimate Ears is expanding its lineup of portable speakers with the foldable Everboom. The brand is also updating several of its other models.

The best fast chargers for 2024

In order to figure out what the fastest charger on the market is across a range of power outputs, we tested 14 adapters across five different devices. Here are the results.

Julian Assange pleads guilty to espionage but defends himself in court

Julian Assange has formally pleaded guilty to violating the Espionage Act at a federal courthouse in Saipan. He told the court, however, that he believes the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction of each other.

OpenAI has delayed its seductive ChatGPT voice assistants

“Exact timelines depend on meeting our high safety and reliability bar,” the company said.

Volkswagen and Rivian agree to $5 billion partnership

Volkswagen is investing up to $5 billion in Rivian as the two brands jointly develop new architecture for operating electric vehicles.

Samsung’s next Unpacked event is set for July 10

Samsung’s next Unpacked event will be on July 10. The Paris showcase will be the company’s second of the year, following its Galaxy S24 unveiling (and Galaxy Ring render reveal!) in January.

Threads can now show replies from Mastodon and other fediverse apps

The Threads app will now be able to show replies and likes from Mastodon and other services in the fediverse.

Motorola is the latest to offer a Bluetooth tracker with the Moto Tag

Motorola has released the Moto Tag, its own familiar take on the Bluetooth tracker device.

Toys 'R' Us uses OpenAI's Sora to make a brand film about its origin story and it’s horrifying

Toys 'R' Us tapped a creative ad agency to create a short story called The Origin of Toys 'R' using OpenAI's text-to-video model Sora.

Reddit puts AI scrapers on notice

Reddit has a warning for AI companies and other scrapers: play by our rules or get blocked.

ChatGPT for macOS no longer requires a subscription

The macOS ChatGPT desktop app is now available to everyone. That is, provided you’re running an Apple Silicon Mac (sorry, Intel users) and are running macOS Sonoma or higher.

OpenAI will block people in China from using its services

Although OpenAI’s services are available in more than 160 countries, China isn’t one of them.