Every year, as December rolls around, anticipation builds at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the annual transformation of the White House. This year is no different as First Lady Jill Biden has selected the theme "A Season of Peace and Light" for the 2024 holiday décor. She expressed hopes for the nation to experience the peace and joy characteristic of the holiday season through the decorations. The theme resonates deeply, featuring hidden details as tributes to fallen soldiers and important aspects of American resilience and hope.
The decorations, which took around 300 volunteers and hundreds of hours to complete, proudly showcase holiday artistry throughout various rooms of the White House. One of the most spectacular features this year is the breathtaking starlight sculpture hanging above the East Entrance, aptly reflecting the chosen theme.
The gingerbread rendition of the White House is always a delight during this festive period. The 2024 version is crafted from 25 gingerbread sheets, ten sugar cookie sheets, and hefty amounts of chocolate and royal icing, lovingly put together by White House executive pastry chef Susan Morrison. It features the same luminous starlight design present on the real White House's roof, tying the culinary creation back to the overall aesthetic of the season.
The official Christmas tree this year is a majestic 18.5-foot Fraser Fir sourced from Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm situated in Newland, North Carolina. Not just any tree, this one survived the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, which swept through the region, claiming many trees. The tree's survival symbolized hope for the Cartner family and, by extension, their community. The First Lady shared, "The Cartner family lost thousands of trees to the storm, but this one remained standing — and they named it 'Tremendous' for the extraordinary hope it symbolizes." This exquisite tree occupies the Blue Room and is adorned with names of every U.S. state and territory, fostering connection and unity during the holidays.
Near the East Entrance, the Gold Star tree is another deeply meaningful ornament of the season. Crafted from six stacked stars, it honors the six branches of the U.S. military. Gold star ornaments hanging from the trees list the names of fallen soldiers, providing visitors with poignant reminders of sacrifice and valor. Families visiting the White House during this festive season can find inspiration and reflection from the decorations, which include contributions from military families with whom First Lady Jill Biden has interacted closely.
Along with these significant displays, the State Dining Room features unique paper-chain garlands made by the families of service members from the two Navy ships Jill Biden sponsors. This artistic collaboration is part of her Joining Forces initiative, aimed at supporting military families. The volunteers contributing to this decoration have also included students across the nation, whose self-portraits hang from trees throughout the State Dining Room. Their drawings highlight the importance of representation, reminding young visitors they belong and their stories matter.
Meanwhile, the official White House menorah takes its place prominently displayed in the Cross Hall, crafted from leftover wood from White House renovations during the presidency of Harry Truman. This year marks the first time it has joined the Christmas decorations, adding to the inclusivity aimed for with this year's theme. Notably, the Red Room's trees come adorned with dove-shaped ornaments emblazoned with the word "peace," reinforcing the overarching theme of tranquility and goodness.
The amazing holiday display is open to thousands of visitors, with the first sneak peek being offered to military families. Jill Biden hosted these families with the intention of celebrating their contributions and sacrifices. Previously, the holiday décor at the White House celebrated various themes, with the first official Christmas tree appearing during the Benjamin Harrison presidency back in 1889. The transformation of the White House with festive decorations has since become iconic and anticipated across the United States.
Every dimension of the decorations tells its story, with each carefully placed ornament and sculpture symbolizing not only holiday cheer but also heartfelt messages of gratitude, resilience, and hope. Visitors walking through the beautifully decorated rooms will find themselves surrounded by symbols of peace, kindness, and community spirit as they relish this one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the heart of American governance.
This year's Christmas festivities even advanced to the high-profile ceremonial lighting of the official national Christmas tree, taking place on the Ellipse, marking its 102nd year. The 35-foot Red Spruce is accompanied by smaller trees adorned with student-designed ornaments from every state and territory, celebrating youth creativity and involvement. The ceremony promises to be infused with music from renowned artists like James Taylor, Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, and Trisha Yearwood. President Biden’s participation this year also marks his final time lighting the tree before he concludes his presidency.
All these efforts culminate together to create not just decorations but narratives woven from shared experiences, calls for peace, gestures of gratitude, and reflections on hard-won ideals.