Christmas has arrived at the White House, and it is a sight to see. Like most years, the White House Christmas decorations are truly over the top, but this year in particular the unveiling feels like an especially welcome joyful moment after a difficult season in Washington, DC, and throughout the United States. It has long been tradition for the first lady to take charge of the theme and decorating of the White House, and this year—which will be Melania Trump's last in the White House—she selected the theme "America the Beautiful."
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President Donald Trump's wife welcomed the White House's main Christmas tree—which stands in the Blue Room—herself, and she invited a group of volunteers into her home to help decorate the tree.
"During this special time of the year, I am delighted to share 'America the Beautiful' and pay tribute to the majesty of our great Nation," the first lady said in a Twitter post on Monday, unveiling the holiday decor. "Together, we celebrate this land we are all proud to call home."
The White House is covered in gorgeous holiday decorations from corner to corner.
This year, the White House boasts 62 Christmas trees, with many of them arranged between Cross Hall and the Blue Room. This area of the presidential home is primarily decorated in reds and golds, with large, expertly wrapped gift boxes donning various plaid designs and giant bows placed underneath them. A stunning, thick garland featuring white lights and large pine cones adorns the doorway.
The decorations in Cross Hall are beyond luxurious.
Cross Hall, which is one of the main corridors in the White House, has massive Christmas trees lining both sides, adorned with sparkling white lights, large red bulbs, and golden pine cones. This creates an absolutely stunning and quite traditional visual effect.
The Red Room looks homey and warm.
The White House's Red Room is arguably one of the coziest holiday spaces in the presidential residence. It looks super homey (albeit a very wealthy home) and festive. Set below a large chandelier is a beautiful but somewhat smaller tree, again decorated with white lights and also trimmed with red satin ribbons and ornaments honoring frontline workers.
The East Room is completely illuminated.
Perhaps one of the most jaw-dropping rooms in the White House, the East Room is completely illuminated in white twinkly lights. On either side of a long central table decorated with evergreen garlands and a candelabra are four tall Christmas trees with white lights, blue and silver ornaments, and gold tree skirts. It's absolutely lovely.
The Green Room has vintage vibes.
The Green Room, which is a very traditionally decorated room featuring antique furniture and revered paintings all year, feels like vintage Christmas this year. Below a beautiful chandelier sits a petite tree set in a vintage wooden box and decorated with white lights and golden yellow ornaments.
Themed decorations can be found throughout the White House.
Mixed in with the solid-color decorations that dominate are a number of themed decorations dedicated to important groups and organizations contributing to America. For example, here a beautiful ornament dedicated to the United States Space Force is pictured.
Some of the dining room decorations are actually edible.
The dining room is outfitted with an edible replica of the White House itself, decorated with its traditional array of elegant outdoor Christmas wreaths. The famous Rose Garden is also depicted in the structure, which is predominantly constructed out of gingerbread.
The tree in the East Colonnade is a showstopper.
The Christmas tree in the White House's East Colonnade may be one of its most spectacular. It is an impressively tall evergreen framed by one of the White House's architectural archways and reached by walking down a hall lined with beautiful planters on pedestals brimming with Christmas greenery and flowers. It's a breathtaking sight.
Reveal day was festive.
The White House Christmas decorations were unveiled on November 30, when President Trump invited an orchestra and choir to perform a festive concert of holiday music for various volunteers. Most musicians performed while wearing face masks.
The White House's main tree was delivered by horse and carriage.
The White House's massive main Christmas tree was delivered to first lady Melania Trump by horse and carriage on November 23. Even the carriage, which was red and green and emblazoned with the words "White House Christmas Tree 2020," invoked the spirit of the season. Members of the media were present to document the joyful occasion, which has long been an American tradition.
The exterior Christmas decorations were also done ahead of Thanksgiving.
On November 25—the day before Thanksgiving—workers decorated the facade of the White House with simple, elegant evergreen wreaths adorned with large, red satin bows. According to reports, 106 wreaths were placed on the outside of the White House with the help of a crane.
Melania Trump gave a tour of the decorations on social media.
Melania Trump revealed the 2020 White House Christmas theme and decorations in a video she originally tweeted and then reposted on Instagram. In the video, she gives her followers a visual tour of the White House Christmas decorations, featuring both wide shots and close-ups of some of the most beautiful scenes and individual ornaments throughout the house.
She showed off several patriotic decorations.
Melania used her post to showcase many of the patriotic themes that can be seen in the White House Christmas decorations, including red, white, and blue garlands; American flags; and ornaments that commemorate the armed forces, the office of the president, and American "heroes."
Masked volunteers helped decorate.
A pared-down group of volunteers (compared to previous years) from across America donned masks to help decorate the White House for the holidays. "In order to ensure a safe, healthy environment for all volunteers and entertainers, this year’s holiday season will include new policies in place that align with the guidance issued by Federal, State, and local officials," the White House wrote in a statement at the start of the season.
Young volunteers placed decorations inside and outside the White House.
Volunteers did everything from stringing pine garlands to placing ornaments on trees and even hanging massive Christmas wreaths throughout the White House. "This weekend, volunteers from all across America have come to decorate the @WhiteHouse for the holiday season. Thank you for your time, enthusiasm & devotion to make sure the spirit of peace & joy fill the historic rooms & halls of the People's House," Melania said on Instagram.
