An Inside Look at the White House Holiday Decorations

By Talia Avakian
November 30, 2016
Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images0
The First Lady kicked off the holiday season at the White House on Tuesday, unveiling the decorations for the Obama family's last Christmas there.

“As we celebrate my family's last holiday season in the White House, I'm thinking back to when we first came here to Washington,” Michelle Obama said. “We promised to open up this House to as many people from as many backgrounds as possible.”

This year's theme, “The Gift of the Holidays,” celebrates the joy of giving, and also service, friends and family, education, and good health, according to the White House. with special decorations added for military families.

Highlights include the White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, a 19-foot-tall Douglas Fir donated from a tree farm in Pennsylvania. There are also 56 different Lego houses that represent each state and territory in the trees throughout the State Dining Room, and the White House Gingerbread House, which features both the East and West Wings and uses 150 pounds of gingerbread on the inside alone.

Only 10 percent of this year’s decorations were new; 90 percent came from repurposed materials and decorations in the White House inventory.
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Outdoor decorations include large bows to greet visitors. 

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Christmas trees with glistening ornaments line the Cross Hall. 

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The library is adorned with various trees and bright decorations. 

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The White House Gingerbread House is seen in the State Dining Room. 

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A photo of former Secretary of State and First Lady, Hilary Clinton, hangs near snowmen decorations in the Center Hall. 

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The Red Room includes trees and wreaths that add to the theme. 

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Pictured here is the 19-foot-tall White House Christmas tree.  

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The Presidential Seal sits above festive gold and silver ornaments. 

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Most of this year's decorations were assembled by 92 volunteers from around the country. 

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The State Dining Room includes gingerbread men and trees lined with 56 Lego homes. 

Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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