White House Holiday Tours Resume in Time for the Festive Season
White House holiday tours will resume on Tuesday, coinciding with the festive season. These tours navigate through a modified route due to recent renovations. The East Wing, home to the annual Christmas decorations, has been significantly altered following President Trump’s $300 million ballroom project.
Changes and Highlights of This Year’s Tour
Traditionally, the East Wing was the starting point for tours, dazzling visitors with its holiday décor. The White House is now adjusting to a new layout, with tours beginning and ending at the North Portico.
- Stops include the East Room, Blue Room, Green Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room.
- The tour no longer includes the East Wing or basement rooms, such as the Map Room.
A semi-permanent security structure has been installed on the North Lawn. The holiday decorations this year embrace the theme “Home Is Where The Heart Is,” personally curated by First Lady Melania Trump.
Impressive Holiday Décor
This year’s decorations feature an impressive assortment:
- 75 wreaths with red bows
- 51 Christmas trees
- Over 700 feet of garland
- 2,000 strands of lights
- 25,000 feet of ribbon
- 2,800 gold stars
The focal point of the Blue Room is the official Christmas tree, standing at 18 feet tall. It is adorned with 56 ornaments, representing all U.S. states and territories, 3D printed with AI assistance to feature state birds and flowers.
Unique Features in Each Room
The Green Room displays Lego portraits of Presidents George Washington and Trump, crafted from 6,000 Lego bricks each. This artwork was assembled by volunteers and aims to celebrate fun and creativity.
The Red Room showcases over 10,000 blue butterflies, symbolizing youth, including those from foster care backgrounds. Ornaments reflect the First Lady’s “Be Best” initiative.
The East Room has been decorated in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, using patriotic colors and symbols. A large curtain covers what is to be a new ballroom in the East Wing.
The State Dining Room features a gingerbread replica of the White House made from:
- 120 pounds of gingerbread dough
- 100 pounds of pastillage dough
- 10 pounds of chocolate
- 5 pounds of royal icing
This edible structure reflects the recent renovations and is designed to provide guests with a glimpse into the Trumps’ Yellow Oval office.
How to Experience the Tours
Visitors can secure tickets for these exclusive tours through their Congressional representatives. The anticipation for this year’s holiday tours grows as the White House embraces its festive spirit amidst ongoing changes.
