It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas At the White House

First Lady Jill Biden unveiled the Mansion’s Christmas decor this morning.

Her message for this holiday season is, “As we celebrate our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by the values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our Country, kindness towards our neighbors, and the power of community and connection.” 

“It has been the honor of our lives to serve as your President and First Lady. Our hope is for the Nation to be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” 

Rotating starlight with lush greenery and garlands adorn the East Wing Lobby of the White House as guests begin the holiday tour of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Members of the National Guard and their families were the first to experience the enchantment that wraps the White House in holiday splendor. More than 300 volunteers from across the Nation were inspired by the First Lady’s theme a “Season of Peace and Light”. Together they decorated 83 Christmas trees with more than 28,000 ornaments and 9,000 feet of ribbon.

Surrounding guests in a sensational snowfall a reflective canopy wraps the ceiling and windows of the East Room. The room includes a Neapolitan crèche with over 40 figurines, most dating back to the 18th century.

Along the tour of the White House trees, garlands and wreaths glow with more than 165,000 lights. Two thousand two hundred doves symbolize peace and light throughout the Presidential manse. A special honor for U.S. Troops is a tree dedicated to Gold Star families.

This Gold Star Tree exhibit honors 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. Constructed of six stacked, oversized stars each star represents a branch of the military. Names of fallen service members are written on gold, star ornaments on four accompanying Christmas trees.

It’s an annual tradition for a sugary replica of the White House to be made of gingerbread and placed on display in The State Dining Room.  This year is no exception. Following the theme of a “Season of Peace and Light ” White House bakers have added a glowing starburst over the spicy confection that includes visions of ice-skaters gliding across the South Lawn pond.

The White House State Dining Room Gingerbread display

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue expects 100,000 visitors to delight in special details of this season. All are welcome to experience the spirit of goodwill and gratitude within the White House dressed in it’s best holiday spirit.

To see more Wonders of the Winter White House : Videos and photos are available on-line: WhiteHouse.gov/Holidays.

Or to visit the White House in person submit Holiday tour ticket requests at least 7 days in advance through WH.gov or your Congressional Office. All White House tours are FREE of charge.

• Cover Image:  This year Cross Hall, which unites White House State Rooms, is trimmed with multiple trees covered by red and green decorations along with a vintage red truck and a cascade of peace doves suspended from the Hall’s slightly arched ceiling.