White House Christmas tree, Holiday centerpiece at White House, Washington D.C., United States.
The White House Christmas tree stands roughly 20 feet tall in the Blue Room and requires removal of the crystal chandelier to accommodate it. The tree is dressed with thousands of lights and carefully crafted ornaments that follow the annual theme selected by the First Lady.
The tradition started in 1889 when President Benjamin Harrison placed the first decorated tree in the Second Floor Oval Room for his grandchildren. This practice evolved over generations and became a core part of how the White House celebrates the holiday season.
Each year the First Lady selects a theme that shapes how the tree is decorated, working with American artisans to create custom ornaments. This choice reflects what matters most to the sitting presidential family during their time in office.
The tree is selected through a nationwide competition among growers, with farms submitting their best specimens for consideration. Once chosen, the selected tree undergoes careful preparation and inspection before being installed in the Blue Room.
Growers from North Carolina have provided more trees to the White House than any other state, creating a lasting connection to this holiday tradition. This dominance reflects the state's expertise in cultivating trees that meet the residence's exacting standards.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
