How The Christmas Tree Made Its Way To The White House
Americans and even the most seasoned politicians line up every year for the chance to visit the White House at Christmas time and see its historic annual decorations.
Today, the entire White House is decked out in Christmas decorations, including the famous annual Christmas tree chosen in a national contest. This year, a LEGO portrait of President Donald Trump was included, as well as a gingerbread replica of the White House.
This decades-old tradition began in 1889, when the first known Christmas tree was displayed at the White House. However, the search for an official White House Christmas tree would not begin until 1961. (RELATED: White House Unveils Dazzling Christmas Theme for 2025)
Decorations, and eventually the nationwide search for a White House Christmas tree, began in 1889 during the administration of Benjamin Harrison, according to the White House Historical Association. The White House’s first known Christmas tree was installed in the Second Oval Room, which then served as the family parlor and library. The tree was placed and decorated with candles for President Harrison’s grandchildren.
A portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump made out of Legos is seen as part of the Christmas decorations in the Green Room of the White House in Washington, DC, December 1, 2025, during a Christmas decoration media tour. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
The White House Gingerbread House is seen in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, December 1, 2025, during a Christmas decorating media tour. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
The first Christmas tree to be placed in the Blue Room of the White House — where the annual tree is now displayed — was installed by the administration of William Taft and his children in 1912, according to the White House. Electric lights were probably first used on the White House Christmas tree in 1894, during the Grover Cleveland administration.
While the Tafts were the first White House family to place the tree in the Blue Room, first lady Mamie Eisenhower was the first to consistently place the Christmas tree in the historic room, according to the White House.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was the first member of the White House to officially start the tradition of choosing a theme for the Christmas tree, the White House reports. The tradition began in 1961 and the tree was decorated with “ornamental toys, birds, angels and characters from the ‘Nutcracker’ ballet.”
In 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association held its first annual contest for the official tree in the Blue Room, according to the White House. Participants must have already won a regional or national competition for their tree.
A portrait of George Washington made out of Legos is seen as part of the Christmas decorations in the Green Room of the White House in Washington, DC, December 1, 2025, during a Christmas decoration media tour. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
Blue butterflies are seen in the Red Room during a preview tour of the White House 2025 Christmas decorations December 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Other Christmas celebrations and events have been held at the White House over the years. In 1835, President Andrew Jackson threw a “party” for his children that included games, dancing and a big dinner, the White House reports. The celebration would end with an indoor “snowball fight” involving cotton balls.
In 1903, President Theodore and first lady Edith Roosevelt held a “carnival” for 500 children featuring ice cream in the shape of Santa Claus, among other Christmas characters, according to the White House.
White House decorations, usually taken over by the first lady, often have a theme. Melania Trump’s theme for 2025 was “home is where the heart is.”
“Constant movement taught me that home is not just a physical space; rather, it’s the warmth and comfort that I carry within me, regardless of my surroundings,” she said.
“This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we carry within us and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance and endless possibilities,” her statement continued.
