white house christmas tour 2017

Everything You Missed From HGTV's White House Christmas Tour

The First Lady had very specific instructions for each room.

On Sunday night, host Alison Victoria provided the first behind-the-scenes look. According to the show, a staff of 150 "volunteer elves" followed careful instructions to bring the First Lady's vision to life, and sounds like Mrs. Trump had very specific instructions. Head designer Nick Watts revealed to the volunteers that no matter which room they were working on, they needed to keep three things in mind: Ensure that all garlands are long and touch the floor, only tie bows in a classic shoe string style, and keep ornaments snug inside the trees throughout the house — all 53 of them.

Here are some more little details we learned about:

The Green Room

The show began in the Green Room, where every decoration is made of paper, including the green and gold leaf mistletoes and gold pinecone ornaments. Green ribbon hangs on every branch of the Christmas tree, while gold silhouettes of past presidents adorn the mantel garland. One detail that really stands out are the handcrafted scenes hanging in the windows of John Adams hosting the first official White House Christmas and Thomas Jefferson entertaining his grandchildren in the Green Room.

The Red Room

Then it's on to the Red Room, which has a particularly sweet theme of Treats and Candies. Gingerbread houses, candy canes, and lollipops cover the space. And yes, those are real cookies on the tree. The First Family kept up the 42-year-old tradition of using cranberry topiaries in the room as well.

The East Landing

The East Landing is extremely special as it is home to the Gold Star Family Tree, which honors military families across the country. Each branch of the tree gets inspected before being adorned with patriotic ribbon and gold stars.

The East Garden Room

The East Garden Room honors the First Family, where the Official Ornament hangs on every branch of the room's tree. This year, the ornament is a gold-colored bauble featuring the Presidential Coat of Arms encircled by a wreath of holly.

The Library

Green books with gold titles create the perfect "book tree" as red satin ribbons acting as bookmarks give the structure a traditional style.

The Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer features a classic nutcracker decor. The words "winter wonderland" came up more than once to describe the space. Nearly half of the White House's 50-plus Christmas trees reside here. Crystal accents and fake snow (which looks incredibly real thanks to some professional decorators) are on every tree. Lights projected on the ceiling add a theatrical touch.

The Blue Room

This is the room where the official White House Christmas tree stands. Coming in at nearly 20 feet high, the Balsam fir has been styled with blue and gold ribbons, bronze leaves, and hundreds of gold balls that represent every state and territory in the U.S.

All 73 windows of the White House sport a classic green wreath with a satin red ribbon, which was a Trump must and a White House first.

This Is What the White House Looked Like at Christmas the Year You Were Born

Michelle is the deputy director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she helps oversee multiple brand's strategy efforts on digital. Previously, she was the deputy editor and managing digital editor for Good Housekeeping. She has over 10 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content.

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White House Christmas Tour 2017

Washington DC is officially ready for the holidays! The White House has unveiled its holiday decorations for 2017. Melania Trump personally selected every detail, right down to the edible wreaths hanging from this year’s gingerbread house.

150 volunteers outfitted the executive mansion over Thanksgiving. This year’s theme is “Time-Honored Traditions” and involves more than 1,000 feet of garland, 18,000 feet of lights, 3,100-yards of ribbon, 12,000 ornaments, and 53 Christmas trees.

Regardless of political affiliation, we can all appreciate the beauty that Christmas brings.

Photos courtesy of The Washingtonian Magazine

Thanks for visiting, and come back next week for more Christmas inspiration! If you enjoyed this article, please tweet, pin, and repost. Follow along on Instagram HERE , Pintrest HERE , Twitter HERE and subscribe to Happy Haute Home to get bi-weekly inspirational posts delivered to your inbox.

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3 thoughts on “ White House Christmas Tour 2017 ”

I can’t help feeling it’s excessive.

Yes, but isn’t every year excessive? Each new administration probably tries to outdo the last one 🙂

Wow! that is really beautiful! Dwight

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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.

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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 2022.

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 .

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Visit The White House

The President and Dr. Biden are delighted to welcome members of the public to tour the White House. Public tour requests are scheduled through your Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Constituents may reach your Member of Congress and Congressional Tour Coordinator through the U.S. House of Representatives Switchboard at 202-225-3121, the U.S. Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at  www.congress.gov/members .

Consistent with prior practices, public White House tour requests must be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date(s). Reservations cannot be accepted for tour dates outside this 21 – 90-day window.  

Public tours are typically available from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. If your tour is confirmed, please note that you will be assigned a specific time.  All White House tours are free of charge. The White House tour schedule is subject to change, with little notice, based on inclement weather or official use.

If you are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, D.C. for assistance in submitting a tour request.

Identification Requirements

All U.S. citizens ages 18 and older, and foreign nationals of all ages (including children), must present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon arrival for their tour. Acceptable forms of identification are below.

U.S. CITIZENS

• United States Driver’s License
• Valid United States Passport
• United States Military ID

FOREIGN NATIONALS

• Valid Passport
• Alien Registration Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• U.S. State Department Issued Diplomatic ID Card

A U.S. driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification for foreign nationals. No foreign-issued state IDs, foreign-issued driver’s licenses, expired passports, photocopies, other transmissions of these documents, or other forms of identification will be accepted. Individuals without acceptable identification, or whose identification does not exactly match the information previously registered, may be denied entry.

Prohibited Items

• Bags of any kind (including fanny packs and clutches)
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Electric stun guns
• E-cigarettes
• Knives of any kind
• Martial arts
• Tobacco Products
• Toy Weapons
• Video cameras
• Weapons/devices
• Any pointed object
• Any other item determined to be a potential safety hazard

Please note that storage facilities are not provided during your visit. Individuals who arrive with bags or prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

Permitted Items

• Baby carriers worn on the body
• Breast pumps
• Cell phones
• Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• All items needed for medical purposes (i.e. wheelchairs, EpiPens, medication, etc.)

Getting Here

Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged, as there is no parking available on the White House complex and street parking is limited. The closest Metrorail stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, silver, and red lines), and McPherson Square (blue, orange, and silver lines).

The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW. If arriving by rideshare, use the White House Visitor Center (WHVC) as the drop-off address. The WHVC is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20230, which is one block from the White House.

Restrooms are located at the White House Visitors Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. There are no restrooms available once you arrive for your tour.

Accessibility

The White House tour route is wheelchair accessible. Visitors who wish to use a White House wheelchair should notify a U.S. Secret Service officer upon arrival.

Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

Health and Safety Guidance

Guests who receive a confirmed tour reservation will be issued a White House Tour Pass ahead of their tour date containing pertinent health and safety guidance.

Know Before You Go

• Tours are self-guided and last approximately 45 minutes
• Eat a snack and stay hydrated prior to arrival.
• Dress for the weather, knowing you will be outside before your tour.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
• No late arrivals are accepted.
• All guests must be previously registered via the RSVP link provided by the White House.
• Please silence your cell phone and refrain from phone calls during the tour.
• No flash photography or video recording is permitted during your tour.
• Visitors may call the 24-hour Visitors Office information line at 202-456-7041 for latest updates and information relevant to White House tours.

Visit The White   House

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Watch CBS News

White House Christmas 2017

November 27, 2017 / 12:43 PM EST / CBS News

First lady Melania Trump unveiled this season's White House Christmas decorations on November 27, 2017.

In this photo, she joins children making Christmas decorations in the State Dining Room of the White House.

Christmas tree arrives

First lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump pose with the 19.5-foot balsam fir that will serve as the official White House Christmas Tree as it arrives at the White House on November 20, 2017.

White House Christmas tree

First lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump welcome the official White House Christmas Tree on November 20, 2017. The tree was grown in Wisconsin and provided by the Chapman family of Silent Night Evergreens. 

The official White House Christmas tree is seen from the Cross Hall of the White House, November 27, 2017.

First lady inspects decor

First lady Melania Trump walks through Christmas decorations in the East Wing of the White House as she tours holiday decorations on November 27, 2017.

East Wing decorations include a tribute to service members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon.

Gingerbread White House

A gingerbread replica of the White House is on display in the State Dining Room of the White House, November 27, 2017.

Red Room decorations

Christmas decor adorns the Red Room of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

The theme of this year's White House decorations is "Time-Honored Traditions."

Trees in the Grand Foyer

Christmas decor adorns Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Historic decorations

Presidential silhouettes and other Christmas decor in the Green Room of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

The official White House Christmas tree is the centerpiece in the Blue Room, November 27, 2017.

The tree is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each U.S. state and territory.

First lady and dancers

First lady Melania Trump watches ballerinas perform in the Grand Foyer of the White House as she tours the season's Christmas decorations on November 27, 2017. 

Trees in the Cross Hall

Christmas decor adorns the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Red Room treats

The Red Room of the White House is filled with holiday treats including peppermints, candy, and cookies.

Wreaths in the windows

Christmas wreaths hang from the windows of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

White House decor

A Christmas tree and garland of lights glitter beneath the Presidential Seal in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017. 

Red Room decor

First lady welcomes visitors

First lady Melania Trump hugs school children as she tours the holiday decorations with reporters at the White House, November 27, 2017.

Reflected decor

Christmas decorations reflected in a mirror in the Green Room of the White House, November 27, 2017.

Tree and creche

The White House creche and other Christmas decor in the East Room of the White House, November 27, 2017.

Holiday festivities

A vignette representing former first families celebrating Christmas adorns the Green Room of the White House, November 27, 2017.

East Room decor

Christmas decor adorns the East Room of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Nativity scene

A Nativity scene and Christmas tree are seen during a preview of holiday decorations in the East Room of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Grand Foyer

First lady Melania Trump walks through the Grand Foyer as she tours Christmas decorations at the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Stairway garland

Christmas decorations are seen on the stairs leading to the private residence at the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017. 

Tree pictures

People photograph Christmas decorations in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Seasonal decor

Christmas decorations are seen in the East Wing during a preview of holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Children join in

First lady Melania Trump makes a garland with children in the East Wing of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Christmas decorations hang in a window of the Green Room at the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017. The theme of this year's White House holiday decorations is "Time-Honored Traditions."

A festive welcome

Christmas decorations in the North Portico of the White House on November 27, 2017.

Golden ornaments

Golden ornaments adorn a Christmas tree at the White House on November 27, 2017.

Christmas trees flank a portrait of Abraham Lincoln in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

White House Christmas card

The 2017 official White House Christmas card on display. The card features a presidential seal and the message "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" in gold script, with the signatures of President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and son Barron Trump.

"A Christmas Carol"

A copy of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" that belonged to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt is displayed in the Library of the White House in Washington, November 27, 2017.

Christmas Season at the White House

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Christmas at the White House 2020

The First Family celebrated their fourth Christmas in the White House with the theme, “America the Beautiful,” a tribute to the majesty of our great Nation. From coast to coast, our country is blessed with boundless natural wonders. The timeless treasures represented in this year’s holiday showcase remind us of the true American spirit. Together, we celebrate this land we are all proud to call home.

Mr. Dan Taylor, winner of the National Christmas Tree Contest, presented the prizewinning tree to the First Lady at the North Portico in a horse-drawn carriage o n November 23, 2020 . The 2020 Christmas Tree is an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from West Virginia. It will serve as a centerpiece for Christmas decorations in the Blue Room of the White House.

Read more about 2020 White House Christmas Décor

Christmas at the White House 2019

2019’s theme, “The Spirit of America,” was a tribute to the traditions, customs, and history that make our Nation great. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations celebrated the courageous individuals who have shaped our country and kept the American spirit alive.

“When I travel the country, I am inspired by the hard working people and families that I meet. No matter which state they call home, many Americans share a strong set of values and deep appreciation for the traditions and history of our great nation. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked to make sure the People’s House was ready for Christmas,” said Mrs. Trump.

On Monday, November 25, 2019, Mr. Larry Snyder presented the prizewinning Christmas Tree—all the way from Mahantongo Valley Farms in Pennsylvania—to the First Lady at the North Portico in a horse-drawn carriage.

Read more about 2019 White House Christmas Décor

Christmas at the White House 2018

2018’s theme, “American Treasures” honored the unique heritage of America.  Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House shined with the spirit of patriotism.  This home, held in trust for all Americans, displayed the many splendors found across our great Nation.

On Monday, November 19, 2018, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participated in the arrival of the White House Christmas tree! Mr. Larry Smith, winner of the National Christmas Tree Contest, presented the prizewinning tree—all the way from Mountain Top Fraser Fir in Newland, North Carolina—to the President and First Lady at the North Portico of the White House.

Read more about 2018 White House Christmas Décor

Christmas at the White House 2017

The First Family celebrated their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition.  The theme, “Time-Honored Traditions” was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.

First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron, welcomed the official White House Christmas Tree to the North Portico entrance of the White House, Monday, November 20, 2017. The tree was presented by the Chapman family of Silent Night Evergreens in Endeavor, Wisconsin.

Read more about 2017 White House Christmas Décor

White House reveals 2017 Christmas decorations

The theme this year is "Time-Honored Traditions."

— -- First lady Melania Trump hosted members of the press and children from Joint Base Andrews at an unveiling of this year's White House Christmas decorations today.

The theme this year, "Time-Honored Traditions," credited to Trump, is intended as a homage to 200 years of White House holiday customs.

The decorations include 53 Christmas trees, 71 Christmas wreaths, more than 12,000 ornaments and a 200-pound gingerbread reproduction of the White House.

The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall were decorated with multiple Christmas trees covered in crystal ornaments and artificial snow inspired by the "Nutcracker Suite" theme of the 1961 White House holiday decorations.

The Red Room contained a smaller Christmas tree and decorations made of holiday treats and candies. There, the first lady sat with children from Joint Base Andrews to make holiday decorations out of gumdrops.

A press release from the White House states, "Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours."

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The Trumps Decorated the White House for Christmas

The Trumps decked the halls with traditional decorations this year.

A White House Christmas

Photos: White House Christmas 2017

The Trumps have decked the halls of the White House in a holiday overhaul complete with lights, ornaments and gingerbread.

First lady Melania Trump on Monday unveiled the White House's decorations for the 2017 winter holiday season before welcoming students from a nearby military base to see the decorations and create holiday-themed crafts. The White House credited the first lady with designing the year's theme, "Time-Honored Traditions," which is meant to pay tribute to 200 years of White House holiday customs.

On Monday, the first lady tweeted a video touring the decorations.

"The decorations are up!" she wrote. "@WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate! Wishing you a Merry Christmas & joyous holiday season!"

The traditional decorations stretch throughout rooms of the White House and include 53 Christmas trees, 71 Christmas wreaths, more than 18,000 lights, more than 12,000 ornaments and thousands of yards of ribbon and garland, according to the Associated Press . Per AP, the White House kitchen has also been busy, baking 31,000 cookies for visitors touring the White House, and more than 150 volunteers from 29 states spent 1,600 hours over the holiday weekend decorating the White House .

AP Photo | Carolyn Kaster

The official 2017 White House Christmas card.

Getty Images

The official White House Christmas card was also on display. The card signed by President Donald Trump , first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump reads: "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

The message is a noticeable departure from the Obama family's holiday cards, which did not make a specific mention of Christmas. Instead, their cards made more general references to the holidays. A 2011 card signed by Former President Obama and his family read: "From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season."

But the wording of the Trumps' holiday card makes good on the president's vows , during and after his 2016 presidential campaign, to bring back "Christmas" as part of the White House's official holiday rhetoric.

On Monday, the first lady again wished everyone a Merry Christmas In a statement released by the White House.

“As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays," she said.

The White House says it expects to host more than 100 open houses and a number of receptions throughout the month of December, as well as welcome more than 25,000 visitors through public tours.

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The 2017 White House Christmas Ornament

Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition of millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2017 design and learn how President Franklin D. Roosevelt shaped the concept of the modern presidency.

Buy the 2017 White House Christmas Ornament

Our 2017 Design Inspiration

FDR’s Historic Inauguration

An Extraordinary Administration

The Life & Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Buy the 2017 White House Ornament

Available Now

Speaking with America

Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats

Roosevelt’s Faithful Fala

Learn About the Presidential Pets

About the 2017 Ornament

Learn More About the History of the Program

The Ornament Gallery

Browse Our Entire Ornament Collection

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The 2023 White House Christmas Ornament

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The Official 2024 White House Christmas Ornament