The White House is decked out in seasonal Christmas decorations – take a look inside

In the words of the famous Christmas Queen: Mariah Carey“It is tiiiiime!”

The festive season is upon us and with it the unveiling of the annual Christmas decorations at the White House. Every year, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time and hard work to make the historic home a spectacle of lights, ornaments, bells, and more—and trust us when we say, it’s truly a sight to behold.

parade I had the opportunity to experience all the joyful magic first hand as I toured the massive property First Lady Dr. Jill BidenThe final year of decoration has been revealed. Check out what’s inside for the 2024 theme, “A Season of Peace and Light.”

“The holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, and we have loved opening the doors of the People’s House ever wider each year and continuing the spirit of goodwill and gratitude,” said Dr. Biden and President Joe Biden wrote in a welcome letter to visitors. “America’s story is your story, and we hope you feel at home here.”

Guests are invited to enter through the East Wing of the White House and stroll through various themed rooms: the East Colonnade, the Library, the Vermeil Room, the China Room, the Diplomatic Reception Room, the East Room, the Green Room, etc. Blue Room, State Dining Room, Red room as well as Kreuzsaal and large foyer.

To bring the decor to life it needed one much of the work – more specifically, including the help of over 300 volunteers from across the country. Throughout the White House, there are 83 decorated Christmas trees, 9,810 feet of ribbons, over 28,125 ornaments and over 2,200 doves. Additionally, more than 165,075 Christmas lights were used to decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths and displays… talk about a labor of love!

The annual Gingerbread White House (the Yesis very real and very edible) was made from 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, 10 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 65 pounds of pastillage and 45 pounds of sugar. Chocolate, 50 pounds. Royal Icing and 10 lbs. made of gum paste, with chef confectioner Susan Morrison guides its creation. As you can imagine, it took several months to complete, with preparations for the Christmas debut beginning back in October.

This year, the sweet masterpiece was designed to include a glowing star on top (which Morrison called the “most challenging” part due to the fragility of the cast sugar) and an ice skating rink on the South Lawn, complete with a cheerful assortment of moving ones Mini skaters!

It’s easy to enjoy the cheerful sights and sounds while strolling through the White House at Christmastime, and Dr. Biden even included something close to her heart in this year’s decorations.

She has been a teacher for over 30 years and has advocated for educators throughout her tenure as First Lady. In the 2024 holiday display, hundreds of self-portrait ornaments handmade by students across the country hang on the large Christmas trees in the State Dining Room to help children feel represented.

“As we celebrate our final holidays here at the White House, we are guided by the values ​​we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness to our neighbors, and the power of community and connection,” the couple added added in their statement to visitors.

The White House expects to welcome about 100,000 people over the next month, with tours offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket submissions are accepted up to 90 days in advance. The White House Christmas Tour Booklet can also be viewed/downloaded online, as well as photos and videos of the performance for those wishing to follow along from home.

Next: Check out the 2023 White House Christmas decorations here in case you missed them.