Despite the recent demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make way for President Donald Trump’s ballroom, the tradition of the annual holiday decoration tour remains intact. This popular event attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, eager to experience the festive atmosphere of the People’s House. Previously, guests would enter through the East Wing, passing through the East Colonnade, where notable decorations like first lady Melania Trump’s red trees and Jill Biden’s candy cane columns showcased the year’s decorative theme.
Although these hallmark features have been removed, the holiday decoration tour will continue, with a revised route to accommodate the ongoing construction, as confirmed by a White House official. The official theme for this year’s decorations is expected to be unveiled shortly after Thanksgiving, maintaining a tradition from previous years.
Starting December 2, the Office of the First Lady announced that public tours will resume after being suspended since September due to the ballroom construction. All December tours will showcase the Christmas decorations on the State Floor, allowing visitors to still enjoy the holiday spirit in the heart of the executive residence.
Critical spaces for decoration, including the East Room and State Dining Room, are still accessible and will be part of the holiday experience. Volunteers, who play a significant role in the decoration process, have also received confirmation about their involvement this year. Among them is Tammy West, the creative director for Glow Floral Event Design in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who has eagerly anticipated this opportunity and recently learned her background check has cleared.
Preparation for the White House’s holiday decorations typically begins months in advance, involving extensive planning and coordination. Last year’s theme, “Season of Peace & Light,” was conceptualized as early as January. The White House staff expects around 100,000 visitors during the holiday season, including guests at numerous seasonal celebrations.
The first lady traditionally leads the holiday decorating efforts, a responsibility that has evolved over the years. The custom of a Christmas tree in the Blue Room can be traced back to Mamie Eisenhower, who began this beloved tradition. Jacqueline Kennedy was instrumental in formalizing the theme selection starting in 1961, and the intricate gingerbread houses became a staple of the holiday decor during the Nixon era.
Melania Trump, during her tenure as first lady, handled this demanding role with diligence, even though it was often accompanied by scrutiny of her decorating choices. Former social secretary Anna Cristina Niceta expressed her unwavering faith in Melania’s ability to create a beautiful festive environment despite the ongoing changes and challenges.
A short video shared by the Office of the First Lady on social media showcased Melania Trump placing a gold ornament atop a decorated garland, indicating a proactive approach to the holiday decorations. Volunteer Tammy West could hardly contain her excitement for the upcoming experience, emphasizing the honor it is to represent her hometown while contributing to this cherished holiday tradition.
The spirit of the holiday season at the White House promises to endure, showcasing the dedication and creativity involved in transforming the Presidential residence into a festive retreat, even amid significant changes.