CHRISTMAS ARRIVES AT THE WHITE HOUSE: MELANIA TRUMP’S LAVISH RETURN AND HER NEW FESTIVE VISION
The White House opens a new holiday season with a display that blends tradition, symbolism and a carefully orchestrated aesthetic a setting designed to impress with elegance.
The White House opened its doors this week to unveil one of the most ambitious Christmas decorations in recent years, a staging that combines historic U.S. symbols, patriotic references and festive details personally selected by First Lady Melania Trump. Under the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is,” the presidential residence showcases an array of lights, fir trees and ornaments designed to highlight the national spirit in the first Christmas since President Donald Trump’s return to office.
According to the Office of the First Lady, the décor features 75 wreaths, 51 trees, more than 200 meters of garlands and around 2,000 strands of lights, along with thousands of ornaments displayed throughout the main rooms of the executive mansion. Melania Trump, who personally led the design of the festive tour, said this year’s concept aims to convey “generosity, patriotism and gratitude,” with constant nods to the nation’s history and its future.
The East Room stands as the symbolic center of the celebration, with an ambiance dedicated to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, to be commemorated in July 2026. The room blends the traditional red, white and blue with eagles, roses and oak leaves developed in collaboration with America250, the organization overseeing the official anniversary events.
In the Green Room, playful elements highlight family life. Two puzzles of more than 6,000 pieces each depict portraits of George Washington and President Donald Trump. Built with thousands of Lego pieces and playing cards, these structures reflect the intention of presenting the White House as a place of tradition and togetherness.
The Red Room features an installation of more than 10,000 butterflies symbolizing transformation and the future of America’s youth. The tribute is linked to “Be Best” and “Fostering the Future,” initiatives promoted by the First Lady to support young people from foster care. Hand-painted ornaments displaying the mottos of these programs are also part of the décor.
A key highlight of the tour is the Blue Room, where the official White House Christmas tree stands. The six-meter fir from Michigan is dedicated to Gold Star families and adorned with more than 2,800 golden stars, along with ornaments representing the bird and flower of each state and territory. The White House states that the installation honors the sacrifice and resilience of military families.
The State Dining Room showcases the traditional gingerbread house, crafted this year with 54 kilos or 120 pounds of gingerbread. The replica recreates the South Portico and includes a view of the Yellow Oval Room as furnished in the private residence.
Beyond the thousands of lights and hundreds of fir trees, some rooms also include the image of President Trump, along with ornaments listing the names of all 50 states. Public tours, suspended since August due to the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, resume on December 2 with a modified route. The White House expects to welcome tens of thousands of visitors throughout the season.