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.
Location: Washington, D.C.
GPS coordinates: 38.89750,-77.03650
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
This collection gathers destinations that embody Christmas traditions around the world. It explores winter celebrations from the Arctic Circle to European historic centers, passing through major American cities. Each location offers its own interpretation of year-end festivities. The selection includes centuries-old markets such as Strasbourg's, which features three hundred chalets in the Alsatian capital, and Nuremberg's market with two hundred booths in the medieval old town. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi welcomes visitors directly on the Arctic Circle, while New York showcases the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the Santaland installation at Macy's. Christian landmarks like Bethlehem complete this collection, alongside Brooklyn residential neighborhoods transformed by December lights.
White House
34 m
Resolute desk
82 m
Oval Office
79 m
West Wing
79 m
Executive Residence
35 m
White House Situation Room
71 m
White House Rose Garden
52 m
East Wing
78 m
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
73 m
Lincoln Bedroom
14 m
East Room
35 m
Blue Room
0 m
Roosevelt Room
96 m
President's Bedroom
24 m
Cabinet Room
78 m
Red Room
0 m
White House basement
11 m
Green Room
9 m
Truman Balcony
9 m
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
35 m
Map Room
21 m
State Dining Room
21 m
Vermeil Room
21 m
Cross Hall
14 m
West Sitting Hall
79 m
White House Library
28 m
North Lawn
89 m
Whitehurst & Son sundial
22 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes