white house christmas tour 2021

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.

First lady Jill Biden unveils White House holiday decorations

This year's theme is "Gifts from the Heart."

First lady Jill Biden unveiled the White House holiday decorations on Monday and announced her theme for the 2021 season as "Gifts from the Heart," intended to honor those who have persevered through hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic .

"The things we hold sacred unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the constraints of a pandemic: faith, family, and friendship; a love of the arts, learning, and nature; gratitude, service, and community; unity and peace. These are the gifts that tie together the heart strings of our lives. These are the Gifts from the Heart," the Bidens wrote in a letter explaining the theme for a commemorative White House Holiday Guide.

"As we celebrate our first holiday season in the White House, we are inspired by the Americans we have met across the country, time and again reminding us that our differences are precious and our similarities infinite," the first lady and president said. "We wish you a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season. As we look to a new year full of possibility, may gifts from the heart light our path forward."

It took approximately 25 wreaths, 41 Christmas trees, 300 candles, 6,000 feet of ribbon, 10,000 ornaments and nearly 80,000-holiday lights to spruce up the White House for the holiday season. More than 100 volunteers worked on the decorations, according to the office of the first lady. While volunteers in the past have come from around the country, they were limited to surrounding areas this year due to the COVID-19 concerns.

MORE: First lady Jill Biden accepts White House Christmas tree

Officials said the theme is represented in every room "with sort of an element of another theme, a sub-theme, if you will."

Inside the Blue Room, which represents the "Gift of Peace and Unity," stands the official White House Christmas tree . The room's iconic chandelier was temporarily removed to display the 18.5-foot Fraser fir from Jefferson, North Carolina, which the first lady welcomed last week.

"Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner embossed with the names of each state and territory of the United States, reminding us all of the importance of unity and national harmony," the White House said.

Photos of the Trumps, Obamas, both Bushes, Reagans and Carters also hang on the tree, in addition to pictures of the Bidens, their kids, grandkids and dogs, Champ and Major.

Inside the State Dining Room, Christmas stockings hang above the fireplace mantel for each of the Biden grandchildren, marked with their names.

The Gingerbread White House, which the White House said was "inspired by our gratitude and admiration for our Nation's frontline workers who kept our country running through the global pandemic, often at great risk to themselves and their families," honors nurses, doctors, postal and grocery store workers, to name a few, and is complete with a gingerbread school teacher, illustrative of the first lady who is a longtime community college professor, smiling and standing next to a gingerbread schoolhouse.

MORE: US Capitol Christmas Tree arrives from California

Also on display is the Bidens' Christmas card, signed "Joe" and "Jill," which includes a remembrance for those who lost their lives this year to COVID-19 .

A drawing of a candle on the back of the card includes the words, "In remembrance of all Americans who lost their lives to COVID-19 and in recognition of essential and frontline workers, first responders, and our service members and their families."

MORE: COVID-19 updates: 2 cases of omicron variant confirmed in Canada, officials say

As she did when she welcomed the White House Christmas tree last week, the first lady was joined again Monday afternoon by the National Guard family -- the Harrells -- to honor those spending the holiday season apart.

Related Stories

Man kills wife, 3 kids in mass shooting: Police

• Apr 23, 12:35 PM

Secret Service prepares for Trump in contempt

• Apr 23, 4:16 PM

OJ Simpson dies at 76

• Apr 11, 6:32 PM

To that end, a Gold Star Tree honoring service members who have died in the line of duty, as well as their families who carry on their legacies, is on display at the East landing.

The first lady hosted a second-grade class from an elementary school in Maryland to help her unveil the decorations on Monday.

The kids sported masks and wrist bands to indicate they have been COVID-19 tested, and the first lady read her 2012 children's book, "Don't Forget, God Bless our Troops." PBS Kids held a holiday puppet show to mark the festive occasion, and the children appeared starstruck at a performance by the Kraft Brothers.

She also thanked volunteers who decorated the home for the holidays in brief remarks.

"When the pandemic keeps us apart -- like I know how tough this year has been really struggling to get by -- or we feel like the weight of our lives is just too heavy to carry, these constants remind us that they feel us and lift our eyes to the future," she said of the theme.

"For all of our differences, we are united by what really matters like points on a star we come together at the heart. That is what I wanted to reflect in our White House this year," Biden added, blowing a kiss to the volunteers.

Earlier, inside the East Wing, the president's own U.S. Marine Corps band played an assortment of holiday tunes amid an assortment of large, red packages.

The planning for holiday decorations started in late May, and the first lady was "very involved" in the process, according to her communications director Elizabeth Alexander.

MORE: First lady Dr. Jill Biden speaks out on her mission to get people screened for breast cancer

Social secretary Carlos Elizondo said the White House didn't have too many problems with the supply chain, "but there were some items that were backed up," like some of the topiaries, he said.

With public tours on pause due to the pandemic, the White House said to stay tuned for interactive ways to view the decorations on social media and other platforms.

Related Topics

Trump, NY AG resolve dispute over $175M bond

• Apr 22, 12:14 PM

Kidnapping caught on home security video

• Apr 23, 9:09 AM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Watch CBS News

White House Christmas decorations celebrate "Gifts from the Heart"

December 24, 2021 / 1:25 PM EST / CBS News

The White House is lit up for the 2021 holiday season. The theme of this year's decorations is "Gifts from the Heart."

This view shows the White House from the Ellipse, where the National Christmas Tree is surrounded by smaller trees representing the 50 states.

Presidential reflection

President Joe Biden is reflected in a Christmas tree ornament while arriving to speak on COVID-19 in the State Dining Room of the White House on December 21, 2021.

Gingerbread White House

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

The White House says its pastry team used 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage sugar-paste icing, 35 pounds of chocolate and 25 pounds of royal icing.

Christmas tree in the Blue Room

The official 2021 White House Christmas tree, displayed in the Blue Room, is an 18-and-a-half-foot Fraser fir from Jefferson, North Carolina. 

Dating back to the Eisenhower administration, a large Christmas tree has been consistently featured in the Blue Room. 

Library decorations

Christmas decorations in the Library of the White House on December 23, 2021. 

The room was dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to serve as the White House Library in 1935 and now holds approximately 2,700 volumes of books, focusing primarily on American history and literature.

Photos of first families

Photographs of current and past first couples adorn a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room of the White House.

Vermeil Room

Christmas decorations in the Vermeil Room of the White House include a tree, wreaths in the windows and a garland over the fireplace.

Christmas tree decorations

Members of the public look at Christmas decorations in the East Room of the White House during a tour on December 23, 2021. 

The East Room decorations celebrate "The Gift of Gratitude."

Holiday cards

Holiday cards adorn a mantle in the East Room of the White House.

White House and National Christmas Tree

The White House is illuminated and decorated with wreaths, with the National Christmas Tree lit up on the Ellipse, surrounded by smaller trees representing the 50 states.

Trees in the Cross Hall

Christmas trees line the Cross Hall of the White House as members of the public tour the building on December 23, 2021.

Decorations in the Cross Hall

Christmas decorations are seen in the Cross Hall of the White House.

Tree and stockings

Stockings hang over the fireplace in the State Dining Room, which is decorated to reflect the theme "The Gift of Family."

East Colonnade

People make their way through the East Colonnade of the White House, which is decked out with decorations honoring those who serve others.

"Iridescent doves and shooting stars illuminate the hallway, representing the peace and light brought to us all by the service of frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic," the White House said .

Center Hall garlands

Members of the public view Christmas decorations in the Center Hall of the White House as part of a tour on December 23, 2021.

Christmas decorations are seen in the China Room, which houses tableware used by past presidential families.

Special delivery

The official 2021 White House Christmas Tree is delivered on November 22, 2021. This year's tree is an 18-and-a-half-foot Fraser fir, presented by Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms in Jefferson, North Carolina.

Tree from North Carolina

First lady Jill Biden welcomes the delivery of the official 2021 White House Christmas Tree, grown in North Carolina, as it arrives on a horse-drawn wagon on November 22, 2021.

National Tree Lighting Ceremony

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attend the National Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse, outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on December 2, 2021.

On the Ellipse

A wider view of the scene as President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the National Tree Lighting Ceremony, on the Ellipse outside the White House, on December 2, 2021.

IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE: Spirit of the Season

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / On Demand

This dazzling music special celebrates the holidays and highlights the seasonal décor at the White House. Featuring special remarks by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden, actress Jennifer Garner will serve as the program host, which will also include performances by Andrea Bocelli , Matteo Bocelli , Virginia Bocelli , Camila Cabello , Eric Church , Jonas Brothers , Norah Jones , Pentatonix , Billy Porter , Northwell Health Nurse Choir , Voices of Service , and the United States Marine Band. The hour-long television special will be recorded at the White House Dec. 11-14, 2021.

The President and Dr. Biden are welcoming this diverse roster of artists to perform songs in historic White House rooms — including the East Room, the State Dining Room, and the Blue Room, home of the Official White House Christmas tree — sharing the festive spirit with the nation through In Performance at the White House.

Audiences will see the First Family’s “Gifts from the Heart”-themed holiday installations currently on display throughout the White House. The performances and inside look at the White House holiday décor will honor the resilience of the American people, with communities coming together in service to others, during this celebratory and reflective time of year.

Two performance acts in particular will celebrate service to the nation. The Northwell Health Nurse Choir is a group of frontline nurses — each from different Northwell hospitals, nursing specialties and areas of New York. They formed in 2020 and represent frontline workers and the nursing profession, with the power of music lifting their spirits and helping them forge a special bond while the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially challenging for their profession.

Voices of Service is a singing quartet, part of the nonprofit Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO), and includes retired Master Sgt. Caleb Green , retired Staff Sgt. Ron Henry , Sgt. Maj. Christal Rheams and Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hanna . Voices of Service use their platform to increase awareness of what music can do for service men and women who are coping with post-traumatic stress and other invisible and visible wounds.

About The Series:

WETA has produced IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE for PBS since 1978, first collaborating with President Carter’s administration. The series is a showcase of the dynamic fabric of American culture in the setting of the nation’s most famous home. The series began with an East Room recital by the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Since then, IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE has embraced virtually every genre of American performance: pop, country, gospel, jazz, blues, hip-hop, theatre and dance among them. Past programs have showcased a wide array of performing artists, including cellist Mstislav Rostropovich; dancer/choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov; jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie; soul icon Aretha Franklin; popular music singers Marc Anthony, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Ariana Grande, Mick Jagger, John Legend, Linda Ronstadt, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder; gospel singer CeCe Winans; blues icon B.B. King; Broadway luminaries Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald and Idina Menzel; country music’s Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss; and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the holiday season with this special musical performance at the White House,” said Paula A. Kerger, PBS president and CEO . “As an important part of our mission, PBS and our member stations will continue to share the very best of theater, music and dance with audiences across the country.’’

A production of WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc . The executive producers are John F. Wilson for WETA and Ken Ehrlich for Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc. The producer is Renato Basile . The director is Toré Livia. The project executive is Kate Kelly. The senior producer is Jim Corbley . The executive in charge for PBS is Douglas Chang. Created by WETA Washington D.C.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

The Bidens unveil their first White House Christmas decorations

A Christmas tree stands in the Red Room during a press preview of White House holiday decorations on Nov. 29. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A Christmas tree stands in the Red Room during a press preview of White House holiday decorations on Nov. 29.

For their first Christmas in the White House, the Biden family will celebrate with the theme of "gifts from the heart" for their holiday decor.

In unveiling the theme on Monday , President Biden and first lady Jill Biden explained:

"The things we hold sacred unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the constraints of a pandemic: faith, family, and friendship; a love of the arts, learning, and nature; gratitude, service, and community; unity and peace. These are the gifts that tie together the heart strings of our lives."

An ornament with a portrait of President Biden and first lady Jill Biden hangs on a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room of the White House during a press preview of holiday decorations on Nov. 29. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

An ornament with a portrait of President Biden and first lady Jill Biden hangs on a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room of the White House during a press preview of holiday decorations on Nov. 29.

In just one week, over 100 volunteers from the local area decorated the outside and inside of the White House with 41 Christmas trees, 6,000 feet of ribbon and over 78,750 holiday lights.

Excited to share that the Official White House Christmas tree is up in the Blue Room! pic.twitter.com/od943V0k5Q — Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) November 29, 2021

Every room in the White House celebrates a different gift

In the East Colonnade and East Landing, doves and shooting stars adorn the hallways. The decorations honor the service of COVID-19 front-line workers and first responders. Featured here is a Christmas tree that honors military members "who have laid down their lives for our country, and the families who carry on their legacies."

The library is decorated with stacks of books, as well as birds and butterflies created out of recycled newspaper; it represents the gift of learning. The Vermeil Room is decorated with colorful paint swatches and paintbrushes and represents the gift of the visual arts.

Wreathes decorate the backs of chairs in the room that displays the White House's collection of state china. The holiday decorations symbolize the gift of friendship and sharing. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Wreathes decorate the backs of chairs in the room that displays the White House's collection of state china. The holiday decorations symbolize the gift of friendship and sharing.

The East Room, the largest room in the White House, represents the gift of gratitude. It is decorated with a Neapolitan crèche that includes over 40 figurines from the 18th century; the crèche has been displayed every holiday season since 1967.

A White House military social aide stands near the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a press preview of the White House's holiday decorations on Nov. 29. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A White House military social aide stands near the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room during a press preview of the White House's holiday decorations on Nov. 29.

The Blue Room, where the official White House Christmas tree stands, represents the gift of peace and unity. Doves carrying a banner embossed with every U.S. state and territory cascade down the tree.

The Red Room, decorated to represent the gift of the performing arts, includes brass instruments hanging from the mantel. Ballet slippers, tap shoes and musical notes are strung around the tree.

A gingerbread White House is seen in the State Dining Room during a press preview of the White House's holiday decorations on Nov. 29. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A gingerbread White House is seen in the State Dining Room during a press preview of the White House's holiday decorations on Nov. 29.

The State Dining Room represents the gift of family. It features a gingerbread White House made of 55 sheets of baked gingerbread. It has eight detailed replicas of community buildings to honor front-line workers, including a hospital, police station and fire station.

Members of the U.S. Marine Band play holiday music during a press tour of White House Christmas decorations on Nov. 29. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Members of the U.S. Marine Band play holiday music during a press tour of White House Christmas decorations on Nov. 29.

The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall represent the gift of faith and community. The area is decorated with floating candles. The hallway alcoves and tree displays depict wintry scenes of towns and cities, representing the bonds of communities.

Tien Le is an intern on NPR's News Desk.

Melania Trump's 2020 Christmas Decorations Are Unconventionally Traditional

For The Holidays, The Obamas Open Up The White House One Last Time

• White House

• Cast & crew

White House Christmas 2021

Jill Biden leads a room by room tour of the White House bringing the holiday spirit to life. Jill Biden leads a room by room tour of the White House bringing the holiday spirit to life. Jill Biden leads a room by room tour of the White House bringing the holiday spirit to life.

• Genevieve Gorder

• Self - Host

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

User reviews

• December 12, 2021 (United States)
• United States
• Big Fish Entertainment
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

Related news, contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

24 glittering photos of the White House all decked out for Christmas

• On Monday, the White House unveiled its 2021 Christmas decorations, themed "Gifts from the Heart."
• Christmas trees feature photos of past presidential families and letters to President Joe Biden.
• The gingerbread White House honors frontline workers with gingerbread hospitals and grocery stores.

The theme of this year's White House Christmas decorations, chosen by first lady Dr. Jill Biden, is "Gifts from the Heart."

The theme of the White House Christmas decorations is chosen by the first lady every year .

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden wrote that "Gifts from the Heart" such as faith, family, friendship, and unity "tie together the heart strings of our lives."

"The things we hold sacred unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the constraints of a pandemic: faith, family, and friendship; a love of the arts, learning, and nature; gratitude, service, and community; unity and peace. These are the gifts that tie together the heart strings of our lives. These are the Gifts from the Heart," President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wrote in a welcome letter at the beginning of the commemorative 2021 White House Holiday Guide .

"As we celebrate our first holiday season in the White House, we are inspired by the Americans we have met across the country, time and again reminding us that our differences are precious and our similarities infinite," they wrote.

The letter continued : "We wish you a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season. As we look to a new year full of possibility, may gifts from the heart light our path forward."

Over 6,000 feet of ribbon, 300 candles, 10,000 ornaments, and 78,750 holiday lights were used to decorate the White House.

During the unveiling Monday, the US Marine Band played holiday music as stars were projected on the ceiling.

There are a total of 41 Christmas trees throughout the White House.

One of these trees is located in the Red Room.

The official White House Christmas tree sits in the Blue Room.

The tree is decorated with doves carrying a banner with the names of every US state and territory.

In the East Colonnade, clear blue circles line the windows and glowing stars hang from the ceiling.

The windows look out to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.

Cutouts of doves hang amid the window decorations.

The doves and shooting stars represent "peace and light brought to us all by the service of frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic," according to the White House Holiday Guide.

The East Landing's Gold Star Tree honors fallen members of the US military.

The gold star ornaments feature the names and ranks of the fallen soldiers, as well as their dates of death.

The Library is decorated with butterflies and birds made of recycled newspapers, as well as ribbons reading "Hope," "Kindness," and "Joy."

The Library decorations are dedicated to educators who "found ways to connect with students in new and innovative ways, pushing through the challenges of the pandemic," according to the White House Holiday Guide.

Paintbrush wreaths in the Vermeil Room "celebrate the Gift of Visual Arts," according to the White House Holiday Guide.

The Vermeil Room contains portraits of first ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Lou Henry Hoover. 

A wreath hangs from the back of each chair in the China Room.

The China Room displays tableware and china sets used by past presidential families.

Upon closer inspection, the wreaths feature stars comprised of interlocking hands.

"This holiday, as you gather hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart around the dinner table, we hope the China Room inspires you to share healing laughs, comforting meals, and warm memories with loved ones, extending the Gift of Friendship and Sharing," the White House Holiday Guide reads.

The China Room table is set with the Obama state china.

In 2015, former first lady Michelle Obama chose an ocean-inspired "Kailua Blue" color for their state china as a nod to former President Barack Obama's home state of Hawaii.

The East Room decor centers around the theme of gratitude.

The East Room is the largest room in the White House, often hosting public receptions and ceremonies.

Letters and thank-you notes sent to Biden hang among the ornaments.

"Dear President Biden," one letter reads, "I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers continually."

Notes and drawings from young writers have also been included.

One of the cards features a drawing of Biden ("age 78") alongside an American flag.

Christmas trees in the State Dining Room feature photos of the Bidens, as well as past presidential families.

A photo of the Bidens hangs next to one of the Obamas.

Former presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt are pictured with their families.

FDR is pictured holding his grandchildren in the 1930s.

Former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump are also included in the photo collection.

The Trumps are pictured welcoming the White House Christmas tree.

The main attraction in the State Dining Room is the official 2021 Gingerbread White House, created by White House pastry chef Susan Morrison.

Morrison, who is the first female White House pastry chef , built the gingerbread White House with 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage, 35 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.

The gingerbread buildings on either side of the White House honor frontline and essential workers.

The display features a gingerbread hospital, police station, fire station, gas station, school, post office, and grocery store.

On the other side of the State Dining Room, stockings hang from the mantle in between two large Christmas trees.

An engraving in the mantle reads, "I Pray Heaven To Bestow The Best of Blessings Upon This House…."

Finally, the Grand Foyer and the Cross Hall decorations center around the "Gift of Faith and Community."

"The hallway alcoves and tree displays depict wintry scenes of life within our towns and cities, reflecting the solace of faith, the lasting bonds of community, and the perseverance of the American spirit," the White House Holiday Guide reads.

• Main content

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

See the White House Holiday Decorations With This New Virtual Tour

This year's decorations feature 41 Christmas trees, 25 wreaths, and more than 78,750 holiday lights.

Sixty years ago, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy kicked off a new tradition, honoring the White House's holiday decorations with a theme. From the 1961 "Nutcracker" motif to this year's "Gifts From the Heart," the thoughtfully crafted decor has always been enjoyed only by a select few with access to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. So, this year, The White House Historical Association, which Kennedy founded, launched a new virtual White House Holiday Tour in order to bring more Americans into the president's home during the festive season.

The annual tradition involves volunteers coming in to hang wreaths on windows, make handicrafts, and decorate the many trees. This year's holiday makeover includes 41 Christmas trees, 25 wreaths, 6,000 feet of ribbon, 300-plus candles, about 10,000 ornaments, and more than 78,750 holiday lights — the masterpiece of more than 100 volunteers who worked for a full week on both the interior and exterior of the White House .

Among the many highlights is the Gingerbread White House — made of 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage, 35 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of icing — sitting on the State Dining Room's eagle pier table with replicas of eight community buildings to honor frontline workers.

The virtual tour is available through the White House Experience mobile app on both iOS and Android devices, as well as through a web app . Not only does it take users through the current year's decorations, but it also goes back to previous seasons to show themes through the years.

"The new White House Holiday Tour on our mobile app offers a unique look into the annual traditions and decor that past and present presidencies have adopted," Stewart McLaurin, The White House Historical Association president, said in a statement . "Our objective is always to provide the public access to the evolving history of the White House in honor of our founder, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy."

As part of the tour, users can also get a glimpse of the 2021 official White House Christmas ornament, which honors the presidency of Lyndon Johnson with a painting of the 1967 Blue Room Christmas tree and his quote, "Our mission is at once the oldest and the most basic of this country: to right wrong, to do justice, to serve man." (The ornament can also be purchased here .)

The White House Holiday Tour is just one feature of the White House Experience mobile app, which also has interactive elements such as a Presidential Look-Alike selfie-matching tool and a Fly Like Ike program, which allows users to pilot the presidential helicopter around Washington, D.C. in honor of former president Dwight Eisenhower.

• 100 Day Dream Home
• Bargain Block
• Battle on the Beach
• Battle on the Mountain
• Building Roots
• Celebrity IOU
• Christina on the Coast
• Down Home Fab
• Farmhouse Fixer

Fixer to Fabulous

• Help! I Wrecked My House

House Hunters

Lakefront empire, lil jon wants to do what.

• Love It or List It
• Married to Real Estate
• My Lottery Dream Home
• No Demo Reno
• Property Brothers: Forever Home
• Renovation Aloha
• Rico to the Rescue
• Rock the Block
• Small Town Potential
• Tough Love With Hilary Farr
• Ugliest House in America
• Unsellable Houses
• 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
• HGTV Smart Home 2024
• Get Outside $5K Giveaway
• Spring Into Cooking $5K Giveaway
• Spring It Forward $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule
• Get inspired! Sign up for our newsletters for the latest ideas, products and projects.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

Want even more inspiration?

• HGTV Shopping
• HGTV Makeovers
• HGTV This Week
• HGTV Gardens and Outdoors
• HGTV Weekend Projects

White House Christmas 2021

House hunters international.

Sunday Nights at 8|7c

HGTV Insider Newsletter

Go behind the scenes at HGTV with your favorite show and host news, delivered straight to your inbox.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

• HGTV Insider
• HGTV Daily Sweepstakes Reminder
• HGTV Inspiration
• Sweepstakes Updates

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

• Connect With HGTV Talent

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated Southwestern home in Santa Fe, New Mexico

HGTV Dream Home

A modern mountain getaway in Morrison, Colorado

HGTV Urban Oasis

A Southern-inspired escape in Louisville, Kentucky

Must-See Videos

Fixer to Fabulous Season One Highlights 20 Videos

Home Town Bonus Series: Erin'spired 25 Videos

Celebrity I.O.U Season One Highlights 17 Videos

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

You Might Also Like

Indiana and the white house.

The White House is often referred to as the “people’s house.” Indeed, many people from across the United States have influenced the White House in a variety of ways. From elder statesmen to young innovators, the state of Indiana can proudly claim numerous connections with the White House – both with the physical building and with those who have occupied it. Ind

Christmas with the Roosevelts

The White House has many holiday traditions, some of which are historic and others more recent. New arrivals to the Executive Mansion often bring unique familial rituals that they celebrate alongside time-tested White House and presidential customs. During the holiday season, the president and first lady participate in public traditions such as receiving a tree for the Blue Room, lighting

Patricia Nixon's Visitor Friendly White House

Not long after she became First Lady, Pat Nixon was asked what she planned to focus on in her new role. Her response was simple: “People are my project.”1Mrs. Nixon did not want to be constrained by selecting one specific project. Instead, she wanted the latitude to pursue various projects that directly helped people.As First Lady, Mrs. Nixon trav

White House Christmas Traditions

Few first ladies enjoyed Christmas as exuberantly and creatively as did Pat Nixon. During the five holiday seasons she spent in the White House, Mrs. Nixon introduced traditions that continue to the present day. She set a standard for festooning the Executive Mansion during the holidays that every first lady since has honored and built on. For most of the

The Life and Presidency of John F. Kennedy

The White House Historical Association’s 2020 Official White House Christmas Ornament honors John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president of the United States. The youngest president since Theodore Roosevelt, Kennedy took office in January 1961, at age 43. Before his vibrant presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet on November 22, 1963, he had reinvigorated the American spirit. His legacy lives on in his

Gracy Bradley's White House

On November 24, 1831, Andrew Jackson, Jr. married Sarah Yorke. President Andrew Jackson, a devoted father, wanted to give his son’s new bride a wedding present. In March of 1832, he purchased what he thought would be most helpful for a young woman setting up her own domestic household for the first time – an enslaved woman named Gracy Bradley.1

Christmas with the Johnson Family

The White House celebrates many holiday traditions, some of which are historic and others more recent. New arrivals to the Executive Mansion bring unique familial rituals that are often blended with time-tested White House and presidential customs. During the holiday season, the president and first lady participate in public traditions such as receiving a tree for the Blue Room, lighting

Enslaved Labor and the Construction of the U.S. Capitol

“Would it be superstitious to presume, that the Sovereign Father of all nations, permitted the perpetration of this apparently execrable transaction, as a fiery, though salutary signal of his displeasure at the conduct of his Columbian children, in erecting and idolizing this… temple of freedom, and at the same time oppressing with the yoke of captivity and toilsome bondage, twelve or f

The “Demon Cat” apparition is one of the best-known ghost stories in Washington, D.C. It refers to an oversized, menacing cat that appears sporadically in prominent federal government buildings. According to the legend, the Demon Cat conspires to frighten unsuspecting people. Other times, the Demon Cat’s appearance has been considered a prophecy of impending disaster or tragedy. The Demon

Here Kitty Kitty

First families have welcomed pets to the White House since its earliest occupants assumed residency. Dogs have been the most prevalent presidential pet in American history. However, in recent years, cats have become more frequent occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The increased feline occupancy of the White House in the past fifty years is likely a reflection of cats becoming a

Murder and Untimely Tragedy: The Haunting of Lafayette Square

Places believed to be "haunted" are often the setting of an assortment of numerous grisly stories. Lafayette Square, the area directly north of the White House, is frequently considered a "ghostly" site. Several gruesome tales contribute to its deservedly spooky reputation. The most harrowing occurrence is a legendary Washington, D.C. story involving murder, intrigue, lust, and revenge. On February 27, 1859,

The Life and Presidency of Gerald R. Ford

Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 14, 1913, the year his parents, Leslie and Dorothy King, divorced. Following his mother’s marriage in 1916 to Gerald R. Ford Sr. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the future president was renamed for his stepfather and became known to his

The Official 2024 White House Christmas Ornament

Oh no! This title currently isn’t available to watch in your country.

Food & Home

White House Christmas

: It's that magical time of year when America's First Home is dressed up for the holidays, and HGTV gets an exclusive tour of the transformation.

Plans start at $9.99/month.

1 . White House Christmas 1998

Host Kitty Bartholomew goes behind the scenes to see how the White House decorat... More

24 Seasons Available (24 Episodes)

Release Year

Rating information, about this series.

It's that magical time of year when America's First Home is dressed up for the holidays, and HGTV gets an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the room-by-room transformation.

Cast and Crew

Starring: Kitty Bartholomew

You May Also Like

Rehab Addict Rescue

House Hunters: Volume 5

Christina On the Coast

Buying Back The Block

House Hunters: Volume 3

Tough Love with Hilary Farr

My Lottery Dream Home: Holiday Extravaganza

Renovation Impossible

Buy It or Build It

100 Day Dream Home

Fixer to Fabulous Holiday Surprise

Mash-Up Our Home

Find iconic entertainment for every mood.

• 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, how to tour the white house.

Last updated: October 25, 2022

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

1849 C Street NW Room 1426 Washington, DC 20240

202 208-1631

Stay Connected

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.