The White House Just Revealed Its Holiday Decorations
Updated: Dec. 05, 2022
The holiday season has officially arrived at the White House!
‘Tis the season to haul out the holly, trim the tree and bake a dreamy gingerbread house! As time-honored holiday traditions occur in your home year after year, the same seasonal rituals occur during the holidays at the White House.
This year’s holiday theme is “We the People,” which is meant to spark unity and togetherness in a season known for gathering and solidarity. “As our country gathers for the holidays, traditions may vary, but our shared American values—a belief in possibility, optimism, and unity—endure season after season,” wrote President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in a holiday welcome letter.
According to the official 2022 White House Holiday Tour Book, over 83,615 Christmas lights decorate the house’s holiday displays, including Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. The installations also feature an impressive 14,865 feet of ribbon, over 300 candles and 12,000 plus ornaments.
Stepping into the White House during the holidays resembles stepping into a snow globe glittered with rich, magical history. Let’s take a look at some of the most magical rooms this year!
A Peek Inside the White House’s Holiday Decor 2022
The East Wing
The We the People theme begins with the entrance of The East Wing. Decorating the entranceway are grand bells, which symbolize the healing concept of music. Guests are greeted with seasonal melodies upon entering. Adorning the East Wing lobby is a plethora of greenery and red cardinals!
Blue Room
The Blue Room is like stepping into a bird lover’s oasis. Fifty-seven states, territories and the District of Columbia are represented by their designated bird.
The state birds flock to the official White House Christmas Tree. This massive 18 ½ foot Concolor Fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania takes up the Blue Room’s center, but the nearby mantle is outfitted with more state birds.
State Dining Room
The State Dining Room’s decorations are a nod to America’s future—children. The inspiration for the seasonal decorations inside the State Dining Room are visuals that fill children with wonderment during the holiday season. Twin trees frame a stocking-hung fireplace as giant-size storybooks featuring illustrations of the Biden family pets further accessorize the festive room. Surely, visions of sugar plums follow!
The Gingerbread White House and Gold Star Trees
Other notable mentions of this year’s White House holiday decor are the Gingerbread White House and Gold Star Trees.
The Gingerbread White House is a feast for anyone’s eyes as it sits inside the State Dining Room. This year, a sugar cookie replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia has been baked into existence!
To honor America’s fallen heroes (and Missing in Action), Gold Star Trees have been outfitted with mirrored Gold Star ornaments embellished with fallen soldiers’ names. Patriotic bulbs of red, white and blue adorn the Gold Star Trees.
The White House Menorah
The White House Menorah, a new addition to the White House holiday trimmings, was created by the Executive Residence Carpentry Shop using wood that was removed during a White House renovation in the 1950s. The Menorah sits inside Cross Hall.
Source:
- Whitehouse.gov: Holidays at the White House
Originally Published: December 05, 2022
