White House Welcomes Visitors Back for Holiday Season Amid Renovations

The White House will resume public tours on December 2, 2023, after a hiatus due to major renovations in the East Wing. Visitors will once again have the opportunity to explore the historic residence, which has been adorned for the holiday season. The tours were suspended in September when construction began to create a new ballroom, an initiative led by President Donald Trump.

While the tours will return, they will be modified to avoid areas under renovation. Visitors will navigate around construction on the South Lawn and will not have access to several significant rooms, including the Library and the Diplomatic Reception Room, as these spaces are being repurposed for the first lady’s staff. Guests will still be able to enjoy the Cross Hall, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and the State Dining Room.

Holiday Festivities Begin at the White House

The holiday season officially kicks off on Monday, November 27, 2023, when Melania Trump will welcome the official Christmas tree, a concolor fir sourced from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney, Michigan. This tree, selected by longtime White House grounds superintendent Dale Haney, will serve as the centerpiece of the Blue Room. The tree’s arrival follows a 650-mile journey and will be transported to the White House in a traditional Clydesdale-drawn carriage.

The following day, President Trump is anticipated to participate in a longstanding White House holiday tradition by granting clemency to two North Carolina turkeys named Gobble and Waddle. This annual event provides a lighthearted moment, often filled with puns, as the President issues pardons in a symbolic gesture of gratitude.

With the Trump family spending Thanksgiving in Palm Beach, Florida, volunteers in Washington are busy transforming the White House into a festive display. A press release from the first lady’s office states, “The decorations in each room will be thoughtfully designed and curated under the direction of First Lady Melania Trump,” emphasizing the spirit and warmth of the holiday season.

A Changing Holiday Tradition

While the theme for this year’s decorations has yet to be formally announced, a preview video shared by Trump suggests a preference for gold and gilded elements. In previous years, the first lady has chosen various themes that reflect both tradition and her personal style. In 2017, the theme was “Time-Honored Traditions,” while the following year focused on patriotism, which drew mixed reactions due to the striking red decor.

In 2020, the decorations paid homage to essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, featuring ornaments that represented various professions. Trump’s sentiments regarding the pressure of holiday decor were candidly captured in private conversations, where she expressed frustration about balancing her duties as first lady with the public’s scrutiny of her husband’s policies.

As the White House prepares for the influx of visitors this season, the renovation of the East Wing continues to shape the experience. Thousands are expected to tour the residence, enjoying the holiday decorations while navigating around ongoing construction. The public’s return to the White House marks a significant moment as the administration embraces the festive spirit despite the challenges posed by renovations.