Glittering photos show how the White House has celebrated Christmas through the years

Megan Harney,Ellen Cranley

December 1, 2020, 4:15 AM·13 min read

wh christmas — First lady Melania Trump walks past the 2019 White House Christmas decorations. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

December means homes across America are decking the halls, and the nation's most famous address is no exception.
The White House has been decorated every December since John and Abigail Adams held the first White House Christmas party in 1800.
The decorations have only gotten more elaborate with time. These photos show how White House Christmases of years past compare to today.
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It's the most beautiful time of the year at the White House.

The West Wing, East Wing, and every room in-between are decked out in elaborate decorations to celebrate the holidays.

On November 23, first lady Melania welcomed the official, 18 1/2-foot tall White House Christmas tree as it arrived from West Virginia. As is tradition, the decorations at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. were revealed on November 30, the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Here's a look back at presidential Christmas celebrations, going all the way back to the 1800s.

The White House halls have been decked for the holidays every December since John and Abigail Adams held the first White House Christmas party in 1800.

white house wreaths — Installing the wreath at the White House entrance, 1937 Library of Congress

Source: History.com

Every president has brought their own traditions into the White House. Grover Cleveland, for example, lit up the first Christmas tree inside the White House to the delight of his young daughters.

Cleveland Christmas — The Cleveland Family tree in the second floor Oval Room of the White House. White House Historical Association

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

Calvin Coolidge was the first president to host a public Christmas celebration at the White House, with the first National Christmas Tree lighting in 1923.

Coolidge Tree Lighting Crop A — Library of Congress

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

The tree lighting ceremony and the president's participation has been a yearly tradition since then.

National Christmas Tree 1929 — The 1929 National Christmas Tree. Library of Congress

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

Glowing trees lit up a side entrance to the White House in 1931.

white house christmas — Lighted Christmas trees in front of the White House in Washington on Dec. 25, 1931. AP Photo

Franklin Roosevelt spent ten consecutive Christmas holidays in the White House and emphasized the importance of family during the holiday season.

FDR Christmas tree — The tree in the East Room during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1936 Library of Congress

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

FDR invited four generations of family into the White House for Christmas. His children and grandchildren enjoyed spending Christmas Eve in the presidential residence to partake in two of Roosevelt's favorite holiday traditions: Hanging stockings and reading, "A Christmas Carol."

FDR christmas — FDR with two of his grandchildren on Christmas Day, 1939. AP

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

Children joined Roosevelt at the White House to ring in Christmas 1940 with Christmas carols.

President Harry Truman welcomed some unusual guests to the White House for December 1948 when he was gifted turkeys for his Christmas dinner.

harry truman white house christmas — President Truman inspects turkeys gifted to him from the Poultry and Egg National Board and the National Turkey Federation. William J. Smith/AP

Here, President Dwight Eisenhower and first lady Mamie Eisenhower pose with their family in 1958 on the Christmas tree-lighted North Portico of the White House.

Eisenhower's first family also posed for a Christmas Eve picture in front of a tinsel-covered tree.

eisenhower white house christmas — Dwight D. Eisenhower and family celebrating Christmas Eve in the White House. Ed Clark/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of themed White House decorations with Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" taking over the Blue Room in 1961. Here, first daughter Caroline admires the tree before a party for employees.

kennedy white house christmas — In this Dec. 13, 1961, file photo Caroline Kennedy wonders at the Christmas tree in the White House Blue Room before a party for White House employees given by her parents. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of a theme for White House Christmases when she chose to decorate the Blue Room tree with items evoking Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite." Henry Burroughs, File via AP

In 1962, the White House Christmas tree was decorated with ornaments inspired by children, including candy canes and gingerbread cookies.

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

Despite Jackie's decorating efforts, the Kennedy family chose to celebrate Christmas Day in Palm Beach.

JFK Christmas Palm Beach — John F. Kennedy Library

Source: JFK Library

A banner with a holiday sentiment was hung for the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace on the Ellipse, in front of the White House, in 1963. Flags were ordered to fly half-mast through December, mourning the November death of President Kennedy.

The Johnson family included a five-foot red, green, and gold piñata in the main hall.

johnson white house christmas — The Johnson family has given a Spanish-Indian touch to this year's White House Christmas decorations. This piñata holiday ornament was photographed today hanging over a mirror in the front hall. It is a red, green, and gold smiling sunburst, five feet in diameter, a traditional decoration in most Latin American countries and Mexico. via Getty Images

In 1967, President Johnson, Lady Bird, and Yuki, the White House dog, spent the holiday beside that year's Christmas tree, a Norway spruce.

lyndon johnson christmas — n this Dec. 24, 1967, file photo President Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, and Yuki, the White House pet, pose beside the family Christmas tree, a Norway spruce, in the Yellow Oval Room on the second floor of the White House in Washington. AP Photo/File

Here, the Johnson family poses in front of a Christmas tree in the Yellow Oval Room.

Source: LBJ Library

Christmas in the Nixon White House was a lively affair. First Lady Pat Nixon told Empire Magazine their holiday traditions included the president playing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" on the piano for friends and family.

Pat Nixon Christmas Guests — First Lady Pat Nixon greets visitors to the White House, 1969 Wikimedia

Source: Nixon Library

Another Nixon tradition was to decorate their Christmas trees with decorations made by disabled workers. The 1969 tree, dubbed the "American Flower Tree," was decorated with velvet and satin ornaments featuring each state's flower.

Nixon Christmas Tree — White House Historical Association

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

Gerald Ford brought two dates to the White House Christmas ball in 1975: his wife Betty and his daughter Susan.

Ford Family Christmas — President Gerald Ford, with wife Betty and daughter Susan, 1975 Library of Congress

Source: FordLibraryMuseum.gov

First Lady Betty Ford presented the official White House Christmas tree in 1976. At that year's lighting, President Ford said that as a former National Parks ranger he was proud to have real trees throughout the White House.

Source: National Parks Service

Many presidents have included their children and grandchildren in public White House traditions while in office. Jimmy Carter's daughter, Amy, helped him light his first National Christmas Tree in 1977.

Source: AP

The Reagans really got into the holiday spirit when they lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Ronald Reagan dressed up as Santa Claus for a Christmas Eve party in 1983 ...

Regan santa — Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

... and First Lady Nancy Reagan sat on a different Santa's lap.

Nancy Regan santa lap — Nancy Regan sitting on Mr. T's lap in 1983. Wikimedia

Source: ABC News

In 1984, then-second lady Barbara Bush helped place the star on top of the national Christmas tree on the Ellipse.

barbara bush white house christmas 1984 — Mrs. Barbara Bush, wife of U.S. Vice-President George H. Bush and Joseph Riley, president of the Christmas Pageant of Peace committee, place the top ornament on the national Christmas tree on the Ellipse near the White House, Nov. 28, 1984 in Washington. Ron Edwards/AP

The Reagans also commissioned artists to paint scenes from inside the Executive Mansion during the holiday season for their annual Christmas card. Many presidents, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and both George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, have since followed suit.

Source: Front Gate

The Reagan White House incorporated pop culture into their playful decorations. Here, the first lady glances toward ALF during a children's Christmas party at the White House.

nancy reagan white house christmas — First lady Nancy Reagan glances towards ALF, an alien life form, during a Christmas party for Children of Washington's diplomatic corp at the White House Monday. AP Photo

Christmas during the first Bush administration was a family affair. Here, George H.W. Bush shows his grandchildren the Oval Office Christmas tree in 1991.

Bush Grandson Christmas — George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Source: CBS News

Bush's grandchildren were treated to a story with the president when they spent Christmas Eve at the White House in 1991.

george hw bush white house christmas — : American statesman George Bush, the 41st President of the United States, reading a Christmas story to his grandchildren on Christmas Eve at the White House, Washington DC in 1991. Susan Biddle/Keystone/CNP/Getty Images

George Bush Sr. celebrated all four of his Christmases as president at Camp David, plus eight more holidays while his son was president.

Source: Washington Times

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton adorned the 1993 Christmas tree with what she described as both "elegant" and "funky" ornaments.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

The Clinton White House had plenty of edible decorations each year. Over the course of several years, the Clinton's enjoyed gingerbread house versions of the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and even a replica of Hillary's childhood home.

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

The Bush's "Red, White and Blue Christmas" theme was inspired by letters the president and first lady received after September 11th.

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

George W. and Laura Bush celebrated a patriotic-themed Christmas in 2008 to commemorate their final Christmas in the White House and the election year.

Source: WhiteHouseHistory.org

The Obamas celebrated friends, family, and the freedoms enjoyed by Americans with their "simple gifts" White House theme.

AP262719734536 — The first family, back from left, first lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, President Barack Obama and Malia Obama, pose with children dressed like elves at the National Building Museum in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Barack Obama got really into the National Christmas Tree lighting in 2014. The president joined celebrities and Santa Claus on stage for a festive dance.

obama christmas santa — U.S. President Barack Obama dances with participants during the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, December 4, 2014. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

Source: ABC News

For the Obamas' last year in the White House, larger-than-life replicas of their dogs Bo and Sunny added a playful and personal touch to the decorations.

obama white house christmas — Replicas of Bo and Sunny, made of more than 25,000 yarn pom-poms, are displayed in the East Wing as part of the 2016 holiday decor at the White House. Andrew Harnik/AP

The first Christmas of the Trump White House celebrated the theme "Time-Honored Traditions," for which first lady Melania welcomed children for wreath-making.

melania trump white house christmas — First lady Melania Trump tosses an ornament to a child across the table after he tossed one to her as she visits with children in the East Room among the 2017 holiday decorations with the theme "Time-Honored Traditions" at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Carolyn Kaster/AP

The official 2018 Christmas theme in the Trump White House was "American Treasures," meant to honor the unique heritage of the country.

White House Christmas 2018 — The 18-foot-tall official White House Christmas tree, draped in over 500 feet of blue velvet ribbon embroidered in gold with each state and territory, is seen in the Blue Room on Nov. 26, 2018. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Source: Business Insider

Last year's decorations included a number of eye-catching pieces, including 40 crimson topiaries.

red trees white house christmas — Topiary trees line the East colonnade during the 2018 Christmas Press Preview at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. Carolyn Kaster/AP

Source: Business Insider

According to the White House, more than 100 open houses and many receptions will happen through the month of December, and more than 30,000 visitors will see the decorations in person during public tours.

band white house christmas — The President's Own Marine Band plays during the 2018 Christmas Press Preview at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 26, 2018. Leah Millis/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

The first lady kept things more traditional for the 2019 decorations with the theme of "The Spirit of America."

White House Christmas 2019 — Christmas decorations are on display in the Grand Foyer at the White House December 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

The annual gingerbread house — clocking in at more than 300 lbs — was flanked by American monuments like the St. Louis arch and the Golden Gate Bridge.

wh xmas gbread wh — Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

Source: Business Insider

Playful details included Scrabble tiles spelling out words for Melania's "Be Best" anti-bullying campaign and these mini trees made out of playing cards.

Source: Business Insider

The East Colonnade glittered with clear panels depicting a timeline of American architecture and famous landmarks.

Source: Business Insider

In 2020, the White House went with the theme "America The Beautiful," offering a "tribute to the majesty of our great Nation."

b1f75296 1f1c 403e 90ea 6e6e55c09256 — The Cross Hall of the White House is decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

Source: The White House

Small details throughout the latest decorations honor major themes like 100 years of the 19th amendment and wildlife in the US as part of the Trump's last Christmas in the White House.

36f50bfb 2a70 48a3 bcd3 9fedcf2af50e — Artwork submitted by children for First Lady Melania Trump's "Building the Movement Exhibit: America’s Youth Celebrate 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage” decorates the White House Library. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

Source: The White House

Handmade ornaments in the Red Room honored "first responders and frontline workers" amid the coronavirus pandemic who "serve their communities with a spirit of generosity," the White House said.

white house red room christmas — A Christmas tree and decorations are on display in the Red Room of the White House. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Source: The White House

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Moreover, to repeat a refrain we’ve been stressing for a while, there was a gross mismatch between the harm alleged and the remedy sought: The Republicans were asking that the mail-in ballots be thrown out or, in the alternative, that the election be voided and the (Republican-majority) state legislature be directed to choose the state’s electors (i.e., the Trump slate). This would disenfranchise either the 2.6 million Pennsylvanians who mailed in ballots or all of the commonwealth’s 6.8 million voters.In a concurring opinion, Judge David Wecht further contended that the court could not authorize the state legislature to choose electors. Although the Constitution empowers the state legislature to choose the manner of selecting electors, Judge Wecht observed (as I have also pointed out) that the commonwealth’s legislature did so long ago by enacting provisions that award Pennsylvania’s Electoral College votes to the winner of the popular election.The court’s ruling on the issue of laches was unanimous. Two judges dissented in part, reasoning that the Republican plaintiffs’ construction of the state constitution appears sound, and that Act 77’s attempt to put a 180-day time-limit on challenges to its lawfulness should be unenforceable against challenges based on the state constitution (an issue the majority opinion sidestepped). The dissenters argued that the plaintiffs should be permitted to proceed with their objections to mass mail-in voting for the purpose of future elections, but not the 2020 election.GeorgiaIn Georgia, attorneys Lin Wood and Sidney Powell are pursuing their theory that the election was stolen from President Trump by cyber-fraud -- specifically, manipulation of the tabulation program, to which they claim Dominion voting machines are vulnerable, in order to switch Trump votes to Biden votes.Sunday turned out to be a frenetic day because Wood learned, apparently from state election officials, that the memories on voting machines were about to be reset (or “wiped,” as Wood put it). This was to occur on Monday (today) -- recall that Georgia will be holding a statewide run-off election for both U.S. Senate seats in just five weeks (i.e., on January 5). Wood objected because the reset would make it practically impossible for him and Powell to conduct a forensic examination into the Dominion software’s operation in the November election, which they contend is necessary to their case.U.S. district judge Timothy Batten initially issued a temporary injunction, directing state election officials to preserve the machines in their present condition while he deliberated over whether to permit a forensic examination. Judge Batten withdrew the injunction a few hours later when the state officials named in the Wood/Powell lawsuits explained that the counties, not the state, had control over the machines.Finally, on Sunday evening at 7:45 p.m., Batten convened an emergency conference, via Zoom, at which the lawyers countered that they were prepared to amend their complaints in order to add the officials in Cobb, Gwinnett, and Cherokee county as defendants. The state also contended that the forensic examination contemplated by the plaintiffs threatened state election security and could compromise its contractor’s proprietary and trade secrets, and thus should not be permitted absent a more compelling showing of wrongdoing than has been made to this point. Wood and Powell replied that these concerns could be assuaged by allowing the state’s own experts to participate in the examination, conducting it on videotape, and directing that the results be provided only to the court, for consideration of any appropriate protective orders against disclosure.At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Batten issued a temporary restraining order: For the next ten days, unless the court directs otherwise, Georgia is barred from permitting the erasure or alteration of data from the Dominion machines. In the meantime, the state is to provide the plaintiffs with a copy of its contract with Dominion, and must file by close of business Wednesday (December 2) a brief and any supporting affidavits in opposition to the forensic examinations.Another hearing in the case is set for Friday (December 4). To be clear, Judge Batten has not ruled on the merits of the case or even indicated that he will permit the forensic examination of the Dominion data. The injunction freezes matters for a few days so the court can consider the parties’ positions and make a more informed decision.
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