As President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden celebrate their final holiday season in the White House, Jill Biden has unveiled a dazzling display of decorations themed “A Season of Peace and Light.”
The festive spectacle brings whimsical charm to the nation’s most famous residence, featuring a towering Christmas tree, a carousel-inspired centerpiece, and a snowfall-like ceiling design.
National Guard Families and Volunteers Join the Celebration
The first lady invited National Guard families to be among the first to experience the decorations, honoring their service and sacrifice. At a separate event, she thanked more than 300 volunteers who spent a week transforming the White House. “This would not be possible without your work,” she said. “You’ve traded time with your families for hours of gluing, and the result is incredible.”
These volunteers adorned the White House with 83 Christmas trees, nearly 10,000 feet of ribbon, over 28,000 ornaments, and 165,000 lights. A central Fraser fir, sourced from North Carolina and anchored to the Blue Room ceiling, is surrounded by a carousel featuring reindeer, swans, and other animals. The tree twinkles with multicolored lights and features names of all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Highlights of the Holiday Decor
- Gold Star Tree: Located near the entrance, this tribute honors fallen service members’ families. It features six gold stars representing the six branches of the U.S. military.
- East Colonnade Bells: Sleigh and brass bells lining the hallway symbolize the sounds of the holiday season.
- Snowfall Effect: Reflective ceiling decorations and window accents in the East Room mimic the beauty of falling snow.
- Themed Rooms: The Green Room glimmers with light refracting through colored glass ornaments and prisms, while paper doves in the Red Room carry messages of peace. Along the Cross Hall, doves hang overhead, continuing the theme of tranquility.
The Gingerbread White House
The State Dining Room features a stunning gingerbread replica of the White House, complete with snow-covered grounds, twinkling miniature trees, and a South Lawn ice-skating scene. Created from an impressive 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, 65 pounds of pastillage, 45 pounds of chocolate, and more, this edible masterpiece is purely for display.
Honoring Military Families
Jill Biden’s initiative, Joining Forces, took center stage during the unveiling. Children of National Guard members joined her onstage, their festive attire adding to the holiday cheer. The Bidens’ personal connection to the military adds poignancy to the celebration, as their late son, Beau Biden, served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard before his passing in 2015.
A Celebration of Light and Unity
The decorations reflect the first lady’s message of peace, light, and togetherness during a time of reflection for the Biden family. From dazzling ornaments to heartfelt tributes, the White House holiday decor encapsulates the spirit of the season, leaving visitors with a sense of joy and hope.
