white house holiday decorations tour

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

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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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White House Christmas

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Immerse Yourself in the Seasonal Magic of 'White House Christmas' 2023

The First Family, more than 300 volunteers, along with Jonathan and Drew Scott gathered to rekindle the wonder of childhood in the White House. Read on for the magical tale, gorgeous illustrations and a full tour.

Celebrating Childhood for the Holidays

As HGTV hosts with well-known access to their own inner children, brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott ( Property Brothers: Forever Home and Celebrity IOU ) leapt at the chance to create and experience holiday magic at the White House . “The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season,” the President and First Lady wrote in a welcome letter opening the 2023 White House Holiday Guide . “It’s that whimsy and that fun from when we were children around the holidays,” Drew said upon arrival at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. “I can feel it already!”

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Christmas 2023 by the Numbers

First-timer White House Christmas host Drew was hyperconscious of the time crunch: “We only have 72 hours to transform the White House[?!]” “We have lots of help,” Jonathan — who pitched in on decorating last year — assured his brother. “We have 300 volunteers!” An estimated 50,000 visitors toured the White House’s decorations in 2022, and twice that number are expected this year. Accordingly, its building, crafting and all-around merrymaking population doubled this year as well. Sure enough, that dedicated crew (and the White House staff, along with the Scott brothers) outdid themselves once again.

North Portico

A total of 72 classic wreaths adorn the White House’s north and south façades this year, and 142,425 holiday lights decorate its trees, garlands, wreaths and displays. “I can give one embarrassing detail,” Jonathan said. “I have 208,000 lights at my house.” “If you happen to notice any empty spots on your trees here, it’s probably because he took things home,” Drew warned White House Designer Emily Barton .

East Portico Entrance

Holiday visitors enter the White House through the East Portico, where volunteers staged an ingenious, one-of-a-kind “Magic Under the Tree” illusion to introduce 2023’s theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy.” As the First Family put it, “In this season of reflection and goodwill, we hope you will embrace your inner child and delight in simply being present with those you love.” That evocation of childhood is literal here, where the portico’s interior roof is decorated to create the impression of walking beneath larger-than-life boughs. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this — you have a tree growing through the roof of the White House!” Jonathan exclaimed. “Tell me you didn’t cut a hole in the roof of the East Portico.”

“I did not,” White House volunteer Marielle Shortell assured him. “There’s actually a tree on top and then this is a setup below!”

Related Pages

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• HGTV Insider

You Can Virtually Tour the White House This Holiday Season

Plus, see White House Christmas decor from years past!

If you've ever wanted to visit the White House at Christmastime, you're in luck: The White House Historical Association 's Holidays at the White House tour is now available on the White House Experience mobile app and online .

Every holiday season—under the guidance of the current First Lady—countless volunteers decorate the White House for Christmas. Jacqueline Kennedy started the festive tradition 60 years ago, when she founded the nonprofit organization, which works to preserve the history of the storied presidential home. (Her first Christmas decoration theme of choice? "The Nutcracker.")

This year, expect to see the Bidens' Christmas decor on full display in the virtual tour, as well as decorations from past administrations. There's even a closer look at the many gingerbread houses on display in the People's House!

“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,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, 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.”

Looking to bring the White House's Christmas aesthetic into your own home? You can buy the Official 2021 White House Christmas Ornament for under $25!

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Watch CBS News

First lady Jill Biden unveils White House holiday theme of "We the People"

Updated on: November 28, 2022 / 7:13 PM EST / CBS/AP

Washington — Drawing decorating inspiration from America's founding documents, Jill Biden chose a "We the People" theme to deck the White House halls and to remind Americans of what unites them throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

The first lady unveiled the transformational work of a small army of volunteer decorators during an event at the White House on Monday. Journalists were given a sneak peek earlier in the day.

As part of Joining Forces, her White House initiative to support military families, Biden was joined by National Guard leaders from across the country, as well as National Guard families. Her late son, Beau Biden, was a major in the Delaware Army National Guard.

"I've seen it everywhere I've gone. When our country comes together, we are stronger," she said. "What we share is so much greater than the things that pull us apart. The soul of our nation is, and has always been, 'we the people.'"   

The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays, 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths on the exterior of the executive mansion.

A copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display in the library, while the always-show-stopping gingerbread White House includes a sugar cookie replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. The Constitution opens with the phrase, "We the People."

A new addition this year is a menorah, used in Jewish worship, that was built by White House carpenters from wood that was removed during a Truman-era renovation. The menorah is located on the State Floor.

Some 50,000 visitors are expected to pass through the White House during the holidays, including tourists and guests invited to various receptions. Among them will be French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to meet with President Biden on Thursday and be honored that evening at a White House state dinner, the first of the Biden administration.

More than 150 volunteers began decorating the interior and the exterior of the White House last week and continued through the Thanksgiving holiday. Planning began in the spring.

Illustrations of the family pets — dog Commander and cat Willow — can be found in the Vermeil Room, where the décor represents different ways of showing kindness and gratitude.

Groupings of snowy trees fill corners of the East Room, which reflects nature and recreation. Four well-known national parks are depicted on the fireplace mantels: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah.

In the Blue Room, the official White House Christmas tree — an 18 1/2-foot Concolor fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania — is decorated to represent unity and hope with handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 territories, states and the District of Columbia.

The State Dining Room is dedicated to the next generation — children — and trees there are decorated with ornaments that are self-portraits of the students of the 2021 Teachers of the Year, "ensuring that children see themselves" in the décor, the White House said.

Hanging from the fireplace in the State Dining Room are the Biden family Christmas stockings.

The gingerbread White House was made using 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate and 40 pounds of royal icing.

"We the People" are celebrated in the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall on the State Floor, where metal ribbons also are inscribed with the names of all the states, territories and the District of Columbia.

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

The White House noted that the holiday guide book visitors will receive was designed this year by Las Vegas-based Daria Peoples, who is Black. Peoples is a former elementary school teacher who has written and illustrated a series of picture books to support children of color, including those who have experienced race-based trauma.

Kristin Brown contributed reporting.

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More from CBS News

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

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

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

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

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

1. East Wing – Honor & Remembrance

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

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

2. Gold Star Trees

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

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

3. East Colonnade

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

4. Library – Words & Stories

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

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

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

5. Vermeil Room – Kindness & Gratitude

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

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

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

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

6. China Room – Food & Traditions

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

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

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

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

7. East Room – Nature & Recreation

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

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

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

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

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

8. Green Room – Sounds & Songs

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

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

9. Blue Room – Unity & Hope

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

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

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

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

10. Red Room – Faith & Light

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

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

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

11. State Dining Room – We the Children

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

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

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

11. 2022 Gingerbread White House

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

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

12. The White House Menorah

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

13. The Grand Foyer & Cross Hall

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

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

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

Welcome to the White House

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

Tour of White House Holiday Decorations

The White House unveiled the 2022 holiday decorations. The theme was “We the People.”

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• Dec 01, 2022 | 12:11am EST | C-SPAN 1
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What It Takes to Transform the White House for the Holidays

300 volunteers (including the first lady’s twin sisters), 98 Christmas trees and a 300-pound gingerbread house are just the beginning.

A papier-mâché set of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh soars above the Cross Hall and Grand Foyer. It hangs from special scaffolding that was built to avoid drilling into the building.  Credit...

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By Katie Rogers

Photographs by Doug Mills

Reporting from the White House

• Dec. 1, 2023

The 300 volunteers were divided into eight teams, each named for a different Santa’s reindeer.

On the day after Thanksgiving, while the Bidens were still in Nantucket, the teams descended upon the White House, working through the weekend to festoon the halls with hand-pinned gumdrops, shape chicken wire into bough-covered arches, install crystal-studded nutcrackers on mantels, and hang a papier-mâché set of reindeer that soar above the Cross Hall and Grand Foyer.

The transformation — praised by Jill Biden, the first lady, as a result of “hard work and painstaking attention to detail” by the droves of volunteers — resulted in a holiday-themed White House overflowing with historical touches.

No matter the administration, turning the White House complex into a wonderland is a feat that relies on donated materials and the time of volunteers. Even the Oval Office gets decorated.

Here are a few numbers behind this year’s display.

200: Age of ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’

When planning began this spring, Dr. Biden told her team that she wanted visitors to experience the décor through the eyes of a child.

“Children are unbound by time and inherently know beauty,” she said this week as she unveiled the decorations. “It’s this childlike marvel and awe that inspired this year’s holiday theme: the ‘Magic, Wonder, and Joy’ of the season.”

The décor includes a large train that circles the official White House Christmas Tree, an 18-foot Fraser fir, in the Blue Room, and countless papier-mâché ballerinas. On the ground floor, a display houses early editions of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” the poem also known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” on loan from the Library of Congress. Another display houses more recent books, one printed in Spanish, that share the same theme.

The poem also serves as the inspiration behind this year’s 300-pound gingerbread White House and the Santa’s sleigh scene. (Special scaffolding was built to suspend the sleigh, in order to not drill into the building.) In the crafts-themed Red Room upstairs, family portraits drawn by children in military families hang from trees strung with yarn-popcorn garlands.

2: Number of first-lady siblings in the volunteer corps

Dr. Biden’s two younger sisters, who are twins named Kim and Kelly, were a part of the decorating crew this year. Volunteers signed up beginning in August and their duties included stringing up 500 letters to Santa (and the Bidens) in the ground floor corridor.

“Please bring me a dinosaur. I love you!” reads one letter addressed to Santa and Mrs. Claus.

After the Bidens leave to spend Christmas Day at Camp David — they are opting to spend it there instead of at the White House for the first time since President Biden took office — a smaller team of 75 volunteers and White House staff will spend about two days taking down the decorations, according to the East Wing.

142,425: Number of holiday lights

This is a lot of wattage, but there are a lot of trees.

The first tree that guests will encounter is a large Fraser fir dedicated to Gold Star families, those whose relatives have died as a result of their active-duty military service. There are 97 other trees throughout the complex, including two huge ones with advent calendar themes in the East Room.

Former first ladies are highlighted in the ground-floor Vermeil Room, devoted to gilded silver. A white-lit tree illuminates a portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy and, across the room, a garland decorated with white lights and tiny ballerinas hangs under a portrait of Lady Bird Johnson.

A number of portraits of other first ladies, including that of Michelle Obama , are decorated with red-and-white amaryllis lilies. (Mrs. Obama’s display is also decorated with candy jars.) A more somber display can be found nearby in the ground floor corridor, where a portrait of Rosalynn Carter , who died last month, is draped in black.

6: Number of pastry chefs required to assemble a gingerbread White House

It takes a team of chefs about three weeks to assemble the creation, according to the East Wing. The 300-pounder requires 40 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 40 sheets of gingerbread dough, 90 pounds of pastillage (sugar paste), 30 pounds of chocolate and 50 pounds of royal icing. Elizabeth Alexander, the first lady’s communications director, did not immediately answer a question about whether anyone ever takes a bite out of the house, but she did note that the structure is entirely edible except for the lights.

1: Number of menorahs and ice rinks

The official White House menorah, which is one year old , sits in the Cross Hall. It was created by White House carpenters and uses wood from a 1950 renovation of the White House.

There is also a 50-by-70-foot ice rink installed on the South Lawn. The White House says that children of military members and from local schools will be invited to skate this year.

100,000: People expected to see the decorations in person this year

Public tours are arranged through the congressional offices of each visitor’s home state or territory. The White House is also offering virtual tours .

Speaking of politics, the White House holiday decorations are often parsed — and politicized — by observers, who search for subtext in every choice. (Remember the blood-red trees of Melania Trump , the former first lady?)

This year, as she previewed the décor, Dr. Biden nodded to “tumultuous times” outside the gates and said she hoped the transformation of the White House could pierce the difficulties, if only briefly.

“It’s in these times when we are searching for hope and healing, these points of light — all of them — you know, that the most that we need is each other,” she said.

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent covering a range of issues, including foreign policy, domestic policy, and the Biden family. Her book, “American Woman,” about first ladies in the White House, will be published in February 2024. She joined The Times in 2014. More about Katie Rogers

Doug Mills has been a photographer in the Washington bureau of The Times since 2002. He previously worked at The Associated Press, where he won two Pulitzer Prizes. His Instagram is @nytmills . More about Doug Mills

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Willow the Cat Tours White House Decorations With Jill Biden: 'It's Amazing'

The Biden family's three-year-old tabby cat is enjoying her second holiday season at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Official White House Photo by Erin Scott

The  Biden family 's three-year-old tabby cat is enjoying her second holiday season at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Willow, the first family's rescue cat, can be seen in a new video shared by The Dodo , receiving a tour of this year's White House’s holiday decorations, and opening her presents, which include a small toy mouse.

"It's amazing, really. She came to one of my speeches in a barn," Dr. Biden recounts of meeting the cat for the first time. "She came and sat on the chair and listened to the speech."

Elsewhere in the video, Dr. Biden describes Willow as "very affectionate," even noting that the pet has at one point gotten a little too interested in the decorations.

"Willow, you have snow on your fur," Dr. Biden says as she cleans the cat off.

The Dodo’s video of Willow is being released as part of the First Lady’s White House Advent Calendar series, which counts down the days till Christmas by sharing little moments that spark magic, wonder, and joy for children via Dr. Biden's social media channels (@FLOTUS) on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  X , and  Threads . 

The Bidens first welcomed Willow to the White House in January 2022. Named after Dr. Biden’s hometown, Willow first met The First Lady when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop in 2020. After seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden. 

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Dr. Biden unveiled this year's White House holiday decorations last month. This year's theme is one of childlike wonder, with decor featuring some 14,975 feet of ribbon, over 350 candles, and more than 33,892 ornaments.

"The 2023 White House holiday theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the magic, wonder, and joy of the holidays,” President  Joe Biden  and the first lady wrote in a welcome letter featured in the commemorative 2023 White House Holiday Guide.

Guests touring the White House during the holiday season will enter the East Wing beneath "the festive branches of an enchanting and magical Christmas tree," the White House said in a statement, adding that the entrance will help evoke the feeling of lying under the Christmas tree as a child.

The Bidens first welcomed cat Willow to the family in 2022, with the first lady naming the short-haired, grey-and-white cat after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

"A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop," a spokesman said at the time. "Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden."

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The 2024 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 for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2024 design and learn more about President Jimmy Carter.

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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.

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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.

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