This year’s theme is ‘Gather Around’. It celebrates the stories and traditions that bring us together this special time of year. As members of one American family, we are united in a story built over the course of two centuries. The holidays serve as an opportunity to recall our Nation's journey, reflect on our blessings, and to remember those who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms. It's a season when each of us can do our part to care for one another.
Recent Holiday Content
Published December 7, 2013
Building the 2013 Gingerbread White House
Watch the White House chefs create the 2013 gingerbread house on a fireplace made out of cookies.
President Obama delivers remarks at the National Christmas Tree Lighting, and First Lady Michelle Obama reads "T'was the Night Before Christmas."
December 5, 2013
Koshering the Kitchen for Hanukkah
Watch the White House kitchen transform into a kosher kitchen with the oversight of local Rabbis. This process allows staff to prepare and serve a kosher meal for this year's Hanukkah celebration at the White House.
First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes military families to the White House for the first viewing of the 2013 holiday decorations and asks every American to remember what our military families and servicemembers often experience during this time of year, and the sacrifices they make to proudly serve all of us.
The 2013 White House Holiday Tour Book is made even more special by the artwork that was created by the students from Sitar Arts Center and the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, both located in Washington, DC. The 16 page booklet also features background on the decorations in each of the rooms, plus a letter from President and Mrs. Obama.
Throughout the holiday season, we will feature White House guests who share their experience with the hashtag #WHHoliday on WhiteHouse.gov and the White House social media channels.
Photos: Holidays at the White House Through the Years
The First Lady with daughters, and Bo, receive the official White House Christmas tree, Nov. 23, 2012.
1 of 13
President Obama and his family react as they push the button to light the National Christmas Tree during a ceremony on the Ellipse, Dec. 9, 2010.
2 of 13
The First Lady delivers toys donated by the WH Executive Office staff to the Marine Corps Base Quantico Toys for Tots Campaign, Dec. 16, 2009.
3 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady greet members of the Strings For Joy ensemble during a holiday party at the White House, Dec. 14, 2009.
4 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady take part in the Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony in the East Room, Dec. 2, 2010.
5 of 13
The First Lady and WH Pastry Chef Bill Yosses laugh as a young visitor tastes her decorated cookie during a holiday craft demonstration, Dec. 1, 2010.
6 of 13
White House Assistant Pastry Chef Susie Morrison constructs the White House gingerbread house in the China Room of the White House, Nov. 29, 2010.
7 of 13
Bo, the Obama family dog, sits by a larger-than-life holiday decoration of himself in the East Garden Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2010.
8 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady pose in front of the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Dec. 5, 2010.
9 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady descend the Grand Staircase to a holiday reception on the State Floor, Dec. 10, 2010.
10 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady descend the Grand Staircase of White House to attend a holiday party, Dec. 13, 2009.
11 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady host a Hanukkah reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 16, 2009.
12 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady pose for a formal portrait in front of the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Dec. 6, 2009.
13 of 13
Share This Gallery
The Obama Holidays
With themes like, "Joy to All", "Shine, Give, Share" and "Simple Gifts", the holiday customs celebrated by the Obama family in the White House have centered around reflecting on our many blessings as Americans, rejoicing in the pleasure of spending time with family and friends, and renewing commitments to one another and to the causes that we believe in. One of the First Lady's most cherished traditions are the trees that honor the service of our armed forces, which have pride of place in the East Landing and the Blue Room each year. And visitors during the holiday season have been enchanted by the representations of the First Dog, Bo Obama, who has been recreated using pipe cleaners, trash bags, buttons, pompoms and even chocolate.
The First Lady with daughters, and Bo, receive the official White House Christmas tree, Nov. 23, 2012.
1 of 13
President Obama and his family react as they push the button to light the National Christmas Tree during a ceremony on the Ellipse, Dec. 9, 2010.
2 of 13
The First Lady delivers toys donated by the WH Executive Office staff to the Marine Corps Base Quantico Toys for Tots Campaign, Dec. 16, 2009.
3 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady greet members of the Strings For Joy ensemble during a holiday party at the White House, Dec. 14, 2009.
4 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady take part in the Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony in the East Room, Dec. 2, 2010.
5 of 13
The First Lady and WH Pastry Chef Bill Yosses laugh as a young visitor tastes her decorated cookie during a holiday craft demonstration, Dec. 1, 2010.
6 of 13
White House Assistant Pastry Chef Susie Morrison constructs the White House gingerbread house in the China Room of the White House, Nov. 29, 2010.
7 of 13
Bo, the Obama family dog, sits by a larger-than-life holiday decoration of himself in the East Garden Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2010.
8 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady pose in front of the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Dec. 5, 2010.
9 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady descend the Grand Staircase to a holiday reception on the State Floor, Dec. 10, 2010.
10 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady descend the Grand Staircase of White House to attend a holiday party, Dec. 13, 2009.
11 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady host a Hanukkah reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 16, 2009.
12 of 13
President Obama and the First Lady pose for a formal portrait in front of the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Dec. 6, 2009.
13 of 13
Share This Gallery
The Obama Holidays
With themes like, "Joy to All", "Shine, Give, Share" and "Simple Gifts", the holiday customs celebrated by the Obama family in the White House have centered around reflecting on our many blessings as Americans, rejoicing in the pleasure of spending time with family and friends, and renewing commitments to one another and to the causes that we believe in. One of the First Lady's most cherished traditions are the trees that honor the service of our armed forces, which have pride of place in the East Landing and the Blue Room each year. And visitors during the holiday season have been enchanted by the representations of the First Dog, Bo Obama, who has been recreated using pipe cleaners, trash bags, buttons, pompoms and even chocolate.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush pose for a holiday portrait in front the White House Christmas Tree December 3, 2006.
1 of 13
President George W. Bush helps during the lighting of the menorah Hanukkah ceremony. 2001
2 of 13
10-foot tall Nutcrackers from E.T.A. Hoffman's classic Christmas ballet guard the North Entrance of the White House, December 2003.
3 of 13
Mrs. Laura Bush sits with Barney and Miss Beazley before the White House Christmas tree, November 30, 2007.
4 of 13
Barney finds a red Christmas decoration on the State Floor of the White House, November 28, 2007.
5 of 13
Christmas trees light up the Grand Foyer as a military pianist fills the State Floor, December 3, 2004.
6 of 13
Hot pink tulips and green pears stand in line on the center table of the East Room, December 2005.
7 of 13
Boxwood garland and tulips frame the Cross Hall mirrors for the 2005 Holiday season.
8 of 13
Mrs. Laura Bush walks from the White House Cross Hall into the East Room, December 3, 2008.
9 of 13
For the 2001 "Home for the Holidays" Christmas theme, a replica of President Lyndon B. Johnson's ranch was displayed, December 2001.
10 of 13
Mrs. Laura Bush delivers remarks as she stands with the White House Christmas tree November 30, 2008.
11 of 13
Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, December 2006.
12 of 13
President George W. Bush exchanges knuckles with Santa December 4, 2008.
13 of 13
Share This Gallery
The George W. Bush Holidays
In 2001, “Home for the Holidays” was chosen as the Christmas theme with the twins in mind, Mrs. Bush was thinking ahead when the girls would be home from school. Trees were decorated with snowflakes, icicles and gold pinecones. In 2002, “All Creatures Great and Small” was the theme and red and gold dominated the color scheme. “Season of Stories” was the theme for 2003, a holiday wish to all Americans for “happy reading adventures and joyful holidays to all”. This theme furthered Mrs. Bush’s personal cause of literacy and also paid homage to her mother-in-law, plus it was fun to incorporate Barbara Bush’s archived ornaments. In 2004, “Season of Merriment and Melody” was the theme and icicle trees and musical vignettes prevailed. “All things Bright and Beautiful” was the theme in 2005, highlighting the beauty and goodness of nature in a year when its powerful forces caused heartbreaking destruction. Mrs. Bush wanted to remind Americans that nature was also a blessing. “Deck the Halls and Welcome All” was the theme in 2006, the Blue Room tree was decorated simply with elegant beads and iridescent glass ornaments. “Holidays in the National Parks” was the theme in 2007, highlighting the national park historic sites and monuments. In 2008, the “Red, White and Blue Christmas” theme washed the house in patriotic hues along with flags and oversized nutcrackers. (Photos courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
President Clinton and the First Lady Hillary Clinton in front of the Christmas Tree in the Blue Room. December 3, 1995.
1 of 3
President Clinton and the First Family decorate their Christmas tree in the Yellow Oval Room.
2 of 3
President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton stand in front of the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 3, 2000.
3 of 3
Share This Gallery
The Clinton Holidays
“Angels and the Year of the American Craft” was the theme for 1993. Angels were made from artists using different mediums such as wood, metal, fiberglass, clay and needlepoint. In 1994, “Twelve Days of Christmas” was the theme, Ralph Lauren lent a hand and his signature red & green tartan ribbon trimmed the greens. 1995 featured the theme “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”, inspired by the “Twas the Night before Christmas” poem. Mrs. Clinton sought help from architectural organizations and needlepoint guilds to create ornaments of miniature homes and stockings. “Nutcracker” was the theme for 1996, a sentimental personal theme given Chelsea was a ballerina. That year ballet companies, woodworking artists and needle-pointers were all asked to help and created pieces to interpret the Nutcracker. The theme for 1997 was “Santa’s Workshop”, famous clothing designers made santa suits for the Blue Room tree. In 1998, “Winter Wonderland” was the theme and Robert Isabel added a contemporary twist as a contributing designer. A silver, gold and crystal winter wonderland was created. “Holiday Treasures at the White House” was the theme in 1999. “Holiday Reflections” was the theme in 2000, a retrospective look at past holidays, faux fruit and red bows decorated the Grand Foyer, and the best and brightest of all ornaments were featured on the Blue Room tree.
The George H. W. Bush Holidays
A “ Storybook Christmas” showcased a tree featuring popular characters from children’s books, championing Mrs. Bush’s favorite cause of literacy with tiny books as ornaments, and accented with gold and red ribbon. In 1990, the theme was “Nutcracker”, as actual ballet slippers and porcelain dancers decorated the house. “Needlepoint Christmas” was the theme in 1991, with needlepoint creations featured on the tree. “Gift Givers” was the theme for 1992. The idea of gift givers had taken on many forms over the years in the form of Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Snow Maid to name a few, and Mrs. Bush chose to represent eighty-eight different kinds on her tree. (Photos courtesy of the George Bush Library and Museum)
President and Mrs. Bush in front of the 1990 White House Christmas Tree, December 12, 1990.
1 of 12
Mrs. Bush admires the White House Christmas tree, December 7, 1992.
2 of 12
First Lady Barbara Bush tops the National Christmas Tree. November 27, 1989.
3 of 12
President George H.W. Bush reads a Christmas story to his grandchildren, December 1991.
4 of 12
President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush pose in front of the White House Christmas tree, December 8, 1992.
5 of 12
Mrs. Bush gives the press a preview of the White House Christmas tree and decorations, December 9, 1991.
6 of 12
Christmas decorations for the White House tree, December 14, 1989.
7 of 12
Mrs. Bush admired the 1989 Christmas Tree in the Grand Foyer of the White House. The theme is "story book," December 20,1989.
8 of 12
A Christmas ornament which depicts Oliver Twist from the 1989 Christmas Tree of Literary Characters at the White House, December 20, 1989.
9 of 12
A Christmas ornament which depicts Little Red Riding Hood from the 1989 Christmas Tree of Literary characters at the White House, December 20, 1989.
10 of 12
A Story Book Christmas at the White House, December 20, 1989.
11 of 12
1990 Christmas decorations from The Nutcracker, December 9, 1990.
12 of 12
Share This Gallery
The Reagan Holidays
The theme for 1981 was “Old Fashion Christmas with the Museum of Folk Art “; the museum lent the White House national treasures such as Victorian dollhouses and miniature period furniture. “Old Fashion Christmas with Foil Paper Cones and Snowflakes” was the theme for 1982, and included glitzy shiny ornaments and plenty of angels. “Old Fashion Christmas with Antique Toys” was the theme for 1983, an antique toy circus was placed under the tree, and gold foil paper chains were used throughout the House. “Enchanting Creatures” was the theme for 1984, volunteers from the Brandywine River Museum in Pennsylvania crafted Christmas “critters” that were woodland creatures made from natural materials like pinecones. In 1985 “Old Fashion Christmas with Teddy Bears” was the theme, Mrs. Reagan used regular size bears to decorate the House. “Mother Goose” was the theme for 1986. Stuffed goose ornaments illustrating the nursery rhyme covered the Blue Room tree. “Toyland Musical Tree” was the theme for 1987 and focused in on Mrs. Reagan’s sweetest holiday memories revolving around classic Christmas carols. For their last Christmas in the White House, the theme was a variation of 1985’s “Old-Fashion Tree with Teddy Bears”. The bears were back, placed alongside wooden candles and yarn dolls. Gold bows were prevalent and used as accents throughout the House. (Photos courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library)
President Reagan and Nancy Reagan official photo with Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 12, 1988.
1 of 9
President Reagan receives a Menorah from the Friends of Lubavitch in the oval office, December 15, 1987.
2 of 9
First Lady Nancy Reagan hangs an ornament on the Blue Room Christmas tree, December 10, 1982.
3 of 9
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan decorating the family Christmas tree in the White House, December 1983.
4 of 9
Nancy Reagan sits on Santa Claus's (President Reagan) lap at a Christmas eve party at the Wick residence in Washington, DC, December 24, 1983.
5 of 9
President Reagan and Nancy Reagan look at White House Christmas decorations in the State Dining Room, December 9, 1984.
6 of 9
Christmas trees and Christmas decorations in the East Room, December 13, 1985.
7 of 9
Christmas decorations in the White House, December 12, 1987.
8 of 9
President Reagan and Nancy Reagan's Christmas photograph in the Blue Room, December 15, 1987.
9 of 9
Share This Gallery
The Carter Holidays
In 1977, Mrs. Carter decided the holiday would be a simple Georgian Christmas and set the theme as “Classic American Christmas”. Ornaments were crafted using all natural materials such as wood, pinecones, and even peanuts. Charming paper-cone ornaments were filled with dried flowers and trinkets. The following year, the theme “Antique Toys” was chosen with Amy Carter clearly in mind. The Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum loaned the White House over twenty-five hundred antique toys. In 1979, the theme was “American Folk Art of the Colonial Period” and the students of the Corcoran School of Art created ornaments such as white needlework snowflakes, along with ceramic and wood decorative pieces. The theme for 1980 was “Old Fashion Victorian Christmas” and the tree was decorated in shades of muted mauves and pinks with large porcelain dolls and a variety of faux flowers. (Photos courtesy of the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum)
President Jimmy Carter and the First Family at Christmas, December 20, 1977.
1 of 9
Rosalynn Carter touring the White House Christmas decorations with her grandchildren, Jason and Sarah Carter, December 15, 1980.
2 of 9
Jimmy Carter lighting the National Menorah at Lafayette Park with Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, December 17, 1979.
3 of 9
A glimpse of a Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 1979.
4 of 9
Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 1980.
5 of 9
Rosalynn Carter previewing the 1979 White House Christmas decorations, December 10, 1979.
6 of 9
Rosalynn Carter previewing the 1978 White House Christmas decorations, December 12, 1978.
7 of 9
Handmade ornaments reflecting the Classic American Christmas, 1977.
8 of 9
Handmade ornaments reflecting the Classic American Christmas, 1977.
9 of 9
Share This Gallery
The Ford Holidays
The Ford’s family traditions were based on creativity, love and above all - thriftiness. Mrs. Ford had her family’s approach in mind when she chose “Patchwork Christmas” as the theme for 1974. Pastel blue calico fabric bows, tiny mirrors, wood animals, and calico quilted animal ornaments decorated the tree. In 1975, a “Children’s Christmas” was sponsored by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Abby Aldrich Folk Art Museum. The trees and house were decorated with antique toys and American crafts made from simple materials such as yarn and straw. For Christmas 1976, the year of the nation’s Bicentennial, Mrs. Ford chose “America is Love” for the theme. Big red velvet bows, handmade flowers made from a variety of materials and Bicentennial dolls decorated the House. (Photos courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Library)
President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford in front of the Blue Room tree.
1 of 6
First Lady Ford pointing out Christmas ornaments on the White House tree. December 9, 1976.
2 of 6
First Lady Ford treats the press to a preview of the Blue Room Christmas tree and its decorations, December 10, 1974.
3 of 6
Close-up of traditional, handmade ornaments created by Colonial Williamsburg staff and volunteers, December 22, 1975.
4 of 6
First Lady Betty Ford and her daughter, Susan, make their own hand-made Christmas ornaments for, November 19, 1975.
5 of 6
View of the Blue Room Christmas tree featuring decorations with a Bicentennial motif during the 1976 Bicentennial year, December 14, 1976.
6 of 6
Share This Gallery
The Nixon Holidays
In 1969 Mrs. Nixon chose “State Flower Balls” as her first theme; volunteers created velvet and satin ornaments embellished with craft flowers. The original set of “State Flower Balls” once archived, has been sourced and select pieces will be incorporated into the trees in 2012. In 1970, the decorations were a continuation of 1969’s theme along with the addition of gold foil fans. The theme in 1971 was “Gold Foil Angels” and Mrs. Nixon took the décor to the next level adding a bit of glitz and gold. “Nature’s Bounty” was the theme for 1972, inspired by the lush painting of fruit and flowers by German American artist, Severin Roesen. The tree was covered in faux fruit, gold stars, and pastel satin balls along with the state flower balls from 1969. The Christmas of 1973 was the year of “Gold Tree Honoring James Monroe” decorated with dainty gold beading; gold balls hung again with the state flower balls. (Photos Courtesy of the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum)
President Nixon and family stand arm in arm in front of a main floor White House Christmas tree, December 24, 1971.
1 of 11
Pat Nixon looks at handmade state globe ornaments on the decorated White House Christmas tree, December 17, 1969.
2 of 11
Pat Nixon and Julie Eisenhower hold a handmade state Christmas tree ornament ball, December 13, 1971.
3 of 11
The gingerbread house in the State Dining Room, December 1971.
4 of 11
Pat Nixon and Julie Eisenhower give the press corps members a tour of the White House Christmas decorations, December 13, 1971.
5 of 11
A White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room, December 11, 1972.
6 of 11
Christmas at Camp David, Maryland, December 23, 1971.
7 of 11
The National Christmas tree after the lighting ceremony, December 15, 1972.
8 of 11
White House interior rooms and wall in red Christmas decorations, December 14, 1972.
9 of 11
A sconce framed by Della Robbia greenery, reflecting the 1972 theme, "Nature's Bounty," December 1972.
10 of 11
President Nixon and Mrs. Nixon with a snowman after a winter snow, December 17, 1973.
11 of 11
Share This Gallery
The Johnson Holidays
Lady Bird Johnson celebrated Christmas both in 1964 and 1965 with the theme of “Early Americana”. Highlighting a bountiful harvest, trees were decorated with a multitude of fruit that included apples, lemon and plums and cranberry chains. Toy soldiers combined with gingerbread ornaments in all shapes, completed the trees. In 1967 and 1968, Lady Bird Johnson expanded on her love of the “Early Americana” theme with felt flowers in all colors and red satin ornaments left over from her daughter’s wedding. (Photos courtesy of the LBJ Presidential Library)
President Lyndon B. Johnson and the First Lady celebrate Christmas Eve, with family, December 24, 1968.
1 of 9
President Lyndon B. Johnson with children at Christmas party, December 16, 1964.
2 of 9
Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson pose with Christmas tree, December 14, 1965.
3 of 9
Lady Bird Johnson opening Christmas gifts, December 24, 1965.
4 of 9
Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson pose in front of the Christmas tree, December 13, 1966.
5 of 9
President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson looking at a book, December 24, 1967.
6 of 9
A view of the White House and National Community Christmas Tree, December 18, 1965.
7 of 9
Lady Bird Johnson posing with Christmas tree, December 14, 1965.
8 of 9
Lady Bird Johnson and family pose in front of a decorated fire place, December 22, 1980.
9 of 9
Share This Gallery
The Kennedy Holidays
Jacqueline Kennedy, while always chic and stylish, also embodied a cozy, classic and homespun tone when it came to the Holidays. Her first theme, “The Nutcracker” portrayed her love for ballet, classical music and culture. Plentiful use of miniature ornaments, especially wrapped mini presents and faux candlelight clips, were a common theme in her Christmas trees. In 1961, a Victorian Style decorated Christmas Tree was the centerpiece for the holiday and filled with a variety of angels, birds, candy canes, and white snowflakes. The theme in 1962 was “The Children’s Tree” in Mrs. Kennedy’s pursuit of capturing the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of children. This tree was placed in the Grand Foyer and covered in stuffed animals, tiny twig stars, more miniature presents and reindeer. (Photos courtesy of White House Photographs, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston)
President and Mrs. Kennedy with White House Christmas Tree, December 12, 1962.
1 of 14
President Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with Christmas Tree, December 13, 1961.
2 of 14
Visit of the 1962 Christmas Seal Poster Child, November 11, 1962.
3 of 14
National Christmas Tree in the Ellipse at the White House, December 5, 1962.
4 of 14
Mrs. Kennedy and her children on a sleigh ride at the White House. White House, South Lawn, February 13, 1962.
5 of 14
Caroline Kennedy admires the Christmas tree in the Blue Room as Jean Kennedy Smith and another child look on, December 1961.
6 of 14
Close up of Christmas tree in the White House entrance hall, December 12, 1962.
7 of 14
White House Christmas Party for Children, December 22, 1961.
8 of 14
President and Mrs. Kennedy with the 1961 White House Christmas Tree, Blue Room, December 13, 1961.
9 of 14
Table setting with Santa doll and balloons for Children's Christmas party, December 22, 1961.
10 of 14
Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, December 12, 1961.
11 of 14
Caroline and a friend with the Christmas tree in the Entrance Hall, December 1961.
12 of 14
Mrs. Kennedy, John, Jr., and Caroline in front of the mantle hung with Christmas stockings in Palm Beach, FL, December 25, 1962.
13 of 14
President Kennedy playing with John F. Kennedy, Jr. The First Lady J stands in background, December 25, 1962.
14 of 14
Share This Gallery
The White House would like to thank the White House Historical Association, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, the Gerald R. Ford Library, the Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg, the DC Public Library, the Jimmy Carter Library, the Ronald Reagan Library, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Coleen Christian Burke, author of "Christmas with the First Ladies" for photographs and research support.
First Lady Michelle Obama previewed the 2013 White House holiday décor to a crowd of military families who were the first of more than 70,000 anticipated visitors this holiday season.
December 06, 2013 7:46 PM
December 05, 2013 9:48 PM
