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Dozens of volunteers helped transform the Executive Mansion with an enormous display: 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet of garland, 2,000 strands of lights, 25,000 feet of ribbon, 2,800 gold stars, 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds of gingerbread.
US First Lady Melania Trump (Photo: Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 2, 2025 03:32 IST
US First Lady Melania Trump on Monday unveiled the White House Christmas decorations for her family’s first holiday since 2020, introducing this year’s theme: "Home is where the heart is."
She said the decorations were designed to celebrate both American traditions and the values that lift every community, while also nodding to next year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
"This is a time to celebrate what makes the US exceptional," the White House said in a statement released with the unveiling. "These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home is where the heart is."
Home Is Where the Heart Is
AMERICA’S CHRISTMAS
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 endless possibilities. pic.twitter.com/VouZAtLpHU
Dozens of volunteers helped transform the Executive Mansion with an enormous display: 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet of garland, 2,000 strands of lights, 25,000 feet of ribbon, 2,800 gold stars, 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds of gingerbread. The decorations were chosen personally by Melania Trump, who, according to the White House, began planning months ago.
This year's layout looks different. President Donald Trump's decision to demolish the East Wing in October -- part of his long-planned ballroom project -- forced changes to the holiday tour route and the placement of key displays. The official White House Christmas tree, traditionally showcased in the Blue Room, now doubles as a tribute to Gold Star families, honouring those who lost relatives in active military service.
According to the Associated Press, trees in the East Room are decked in red, white and blue, topped with golden eagles to mark the coming America250 celebration. The Blue Room's tree includes ornaments featuring each state's bird and flower. In the Green Room, family fun takes centre stage with giant portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump created from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.
The Red Room bursts with thousands of blue butterflies, symbolising young people and Melania Trump's Fostering the Future initiative. Across the hall, the gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room showcases the mansion's South Portico and a peek into the Yellow Oval Room. Bakers used 120 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of pastillage, and nearly 15 pounds of chocolate and icing to build it, the Associated Press reported.
Public holiday tours resume from Tuesday with a shorter State Floor route because of the East Wing construction, covering the East Room, the Green, Blue and Red Rooms, the State Dining Room, Cross Hall and the Grand Foyer. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico via a new semi-permanent walkway.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the White House for tours, receptions and parties before Christmas.
- Ends
With inputs from Associated Press
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Dec 2, 2025
