Have you ever wondered how Presidents celebrate Christmas?
I’ve always been curious about the White House Christmas decorations. Each year brings something new.
The tradition started in 1889 with President Benjamin Harrison. He was the first to put up a Christmas tree in the White House. Since then, every First Family has added their own special touch.
But decorating the White House isn’t simple. We’re talking about 132 rooms. Thousands of ornaments. Miles of ribbon.
The White House Christmas tradition has become truly spectacular. Let me show you how it all changed over the years.
White House Christmas Decorations
Visiting the displays requires planning. Contact your member of Congress to request a tour at least 30 days ahead. All tours are free.
The typical route includes State Floor rooms: Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, East Room, Cross Hall, and Grand Foyer.
Tours usually open in early December after the official unveiling. Thousands visit each holiday season.
Special Holiday Open House events feature live music and seasonal entertainment for guests throughout December.
White House Christmas Decor 2025
On December 1, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump revealed this year’s White House Christmas theme: “Home Is Where the Heart Is.“
The display celebrates American values and marks the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Over 300 volunteers helped create the festive atmosphere.
The White House Christmas display reflects months of planning and incredible attention to detail.
The 2025 White House Christmas Ornament
The White House Historical Association has released its annual collectible ornament.
This year’s design honors 150 years of diplomatic tradition through State Dinners.
- Released annually since 1981 by the White House Historical Association
- Celebrates 150 years of White House State Dinners
- Made from brass with a 24-karat gold finish
- Features Reagan State China plate (front) and Clinton State China plate (back)
- Measures 3 inches in diameter
- Priced at $24.95
- Includes educational booklet and keepsake box
- Proceeds support White House preservation
- Handmade in the United States
Key Highlights of White House Christmas Décor 2025
Here are the key numbers behind this year’s spectacular display:
- Christmas Trees: 51 trees fill the residence, each decorated differently to match the room’s theme and historical significance.
- Wreaths: 75 handcrafted wreaths hang on windows and doorways, welcoming visitors with fresh greenery and festive red bows.
- Lights: More than 2,000 strands create a magical glow throughout hallways, rooms, and the iconic Blue Room tree.
- Ribbon: Approximately 25,000 feet wraps around garlands, banisters, and trees.
- Garland: 700 feet of fresh greenery drapes across mantels and doorways, filling rooms with the scent of pine.
- Blue Butterflies: 10,000 handmade butterflies symbolize change and hope as part of the Be Best initiative in the Red Room.
- Official Tree: The 25-foot concolor fir came from Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan and honors all 50 states.
- Gingerbread House: Weighing over 120 pounds, the edible replica showcases incredible detail.
- America 250: Red, white, and blue decorations throughout the East Room celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
- Public Access: To visit the displays, contact your member of Congress at least 30 days in advance to request a free tour of the State Floor rooms during December.
White House Christmas Decorations Over the Years
The White House Christmas displays have told different stories each year. Let me walk you through the past seven years.
2018: “American Treasures.”
The 2018 theme celebrated patriotism and American history. First Lady Melania Trump focused on national pride.
Red rooms featured topiary trees covered in red ornaments. The Green Room displayed patriotic symbols.
Over 14,000 red berries decorated the trees throughout the State Rooms.
The blood-red trees sparked controversy online. The dramatic look became one of the most talked-about White House Christmas decorations in recent history.
2019: “The Spirit of America.”
This theme highlighted unity and American values. The decorations showcased diversity across the nation.
Each room represented different regions of America. Gold and silver stars hung from the ceilings. The Red Room featured 10,000 red ornaments on its trees.
Some loved the golden elements, while others found it too elaborate. The decorations cost taxpayers nothing volunteers and donations covered all expenses.
2020: “The Magic of the Season.”
The 2020 White House Christmas brought comfort during tough times.
Traditional red and green colors returned. The theme focused on emotional reassurance. Gingerbread displays showed famous American landmarks.
The Blue Room tree stood 18 feet tall with simple white ornaments.
Leaked audio from 2018 resurfaced where Melania Trump complained about Christmas decorations. Despite the controversy, the 2020 display was well-received for its traditional approach.
2021: “Gifts from the Heart.”
First Lady Jill Biden introduced this theme about kindness. The decorations honored frontline workers and teachers. Community service took center stage.
Handmade ornaments from children across America decorated several trees. Doves symbolizing peace appeared throughout the rooms.
This marked a return to simpler, more personal decorations. The gingerbread White House weighed 350 pounds and took weeks to create.
2022: “We the People.”
Democracy and civic pride defined 2022. The theme marked 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
Blue, red, and white dominated the color scheme. Historical documents inspired many ornament designs. The East Room featured patriotic displays.
Over 100 volunteers worked for a week straight to install everything. The display included 83,000 lights, the most ever used in White House Christmas history at that time.
2023: “Magic, Wonder, and Joy.”
This theme brought back childhood imagination. Festive colors filled every room.
The decorations emphasized joyful traditions. Toy soldiers stood guard in the East Room.
Candy canes and gingerbread houses created a storybook feel.
The theme was designed to appeal to children visiting the White House. It became one of the most photographed displays on social media platforms.
2024: “Season of Peace and Light.”
The 2024 display focused on reflection and unity. Soft lighting created a peaceful atmosphere. White and gold ornaments symbolized hope.
The theme encouraged Americans to find common ground. Candles and lights represented guidance during dark times.
This was Jill Biden's final White House Christmas as First Lady. She chose a more subdued palette compared to previous years. The decorations featured 142,000 twinkling lights.
Wrapping Up
The white house christmas tradition continues to inspire millions.
From Benjamin Harrison’s first tree in 1889 to today’s displays, these decorations reflect America’s values.
Each First Family adds their vision to the white house christmas decorations. Volunteers work tirelessly to create something memorable.
Planning a visit? Contact your Congressional representative early. These festive displays remind us why holidays bring Americans together.
