In the words of the famed Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, “It’s tiiiiime!”
The festive season is upon us, and with it, comes the unveiling of the annual White House holiday decor setup. Each year, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time and hard work to make the historic house a spectacle of lights, ornaments, bells, and more—and trust us when we say, it’s quite a sight to see.
Parade had the opportunity to experience all the merry magic firsthand, touring the massive property as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden‘s final year of decor was revealed. Check out what’s inside for 2024’s theme, A “Season of Peace and Light.”
Yasmine Coleman
“The holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, and we’ve loved opening the doors of the People’s House wider and wider each year, continuing the spirit of goodwill and gratitude,” 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.”
Yasmine Coleman
Guests are invited to enter through the East Wing of the White House, and walk through various themed spaces: The East Colonnade, The Library, The Vermeil Room, The China Room, The Diplomatic Reception Room, The East Room, The Green Room, The Blue Room, The State Dining Room, The Red Room, and The Cross Hall and Grand Foyer.
To bring the decor to life, it took a lot of work—including the help of over 300 volunteers from all over the country, to be more specific. Throughout the White House, there are 83 decked out Christmas trees, 9,810 feet of ribbon, over 28,125 ornaments, and over 2,200 doves. Additionally, more than 165,075 holiday lights were used to decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays… talk about a labor of love!
Yasmine Coleman
The annual Gingerbread White House (which yes, is very real, and very edible) was made out of 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, 10 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 65 pounds of pastillage, 45 lbs. of chocolate, 50 lbs. of royal icing, and 10 lbs. of gum paste, with Executive Pastry Chef Susan Morrison leading its creation. As one can imagine, it took several months to complete, with the process beginning in October to prepare for its holiday debut.
This year, the sweet masterpiece has been crafted to feature a glowing starburst on top (what Morrison noted as the most “challenging” part due to the fragile nature of poured sugar), and an ice skating rink on the South Lawn, complete with a cheerful array of mini moving skaters!
Yasmine Coleman
Taking in the joyous sights and sounds as you waltz through the White House during Christmastime is easy to do, and Dr. Biden even included something near and dear to her heart in this year’s decor setup.
As a teacher for over 30 years, she has championed educators throughout her term as First Lady. In the 2024 holiday display, there are hundreds of self-portrait ornaments handmade by students nationwide hanging from the grand Christmas trees in the State Dining Room as a way for children to feel represented.
Yasmine Coleman
“As we celebrate our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by the values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness towards our neighbors, and the power of community and connection,” the couple 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 is also available to view/download online, as well as photos and videos of the display for those who’d like to engage from home.
Next: See the White House holiday decor from 2023 if you missed it, right here.
