How The Christmas Tree Made Its Way To The White House

Americans and even the most seasoned politicos line up each year for the chance to tour 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 picked out through a country-wide competition. This year, a lego portrait of President Donald Trump was included, as well as a gingerbread replica of the White House.

This decades-long tradition began in 1889 when the first known Christmas tree was displayed in the White House. Although, the search for an official White House Christmas tree would not begin until 1961. (RELATED: White House Unveils Dazzling 2025 Christmas Theme)

The decorations, and eventually the country-wide search for a White House Christmas tree, started in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration, according to the White House Historical Association. The first known White House Christmas tree was put up in the Second Oval Room, which was then used as a family parlor and library. The tree was placed and decorated with candles for the grandchildren of President Harrison.

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 decoration media tour. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

The first Christmas tree to be placed in the White House blue room — where the annual tree is now displayed — was put up by the William Taft administration and his children in 1912, according to the White House. Electrical lights were likely first used on the White House Christmas tree in 1894 during the Grover Cleveland administration.

While the Taft’s were the first White House family to place the tree in the Blue Room, the first lady Mamie Eisenhower was the first to consistently place the Christmas tree in the historical room, according to the White House.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was the first member of the White House to officially begin 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 Suite’ ballet.”

In 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association held its first annual competition for the official tree in the Blue Room, according to the White House. Those entering must have already won a regional or state competition for their tree.

A portrait of George Washington made out of Legos is seen as part of 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 an advance tour of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations on December 01, 2025 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Other Christmas celebrations and events have taken place in the White House over the years. In 1835, President Andrew Jackson held a “frolic” for his children which included games, dancing, and a grand dinner, the White House reports. The celebration would conclude with an indoor “snowball fight” with cotton balls.

In 1903, President Theodore and first lady Edith Roosevelt hosted a “carnival” for 500 children that featured ice cream shaped like Santa, among other Christmas characters, according to the White House.

The White House decorations, typically taken on by the first lady, often have a theme. Melania Trump’s 2025 theme was “home is where the heart is.”

“The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings,” she said.

“This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves, 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.