See photos of Melania Trump’s White House Christmas decorations, including a Lego Trump piece

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump on Monday unveiled decorations for her family’s first Christmas at the White House with the theme, “Home is where the heart is.”

The decor also refers to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the founding of the United States of America.

Dozens of volunteer decorators from around the country helped decorate the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 m) of garlands, more than 2,000 strings of lights, more than 25,000 feet (7,620 m) of ribbon, more than 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 pounds). kg) of gingerbread.

Some things were different because President Donald Trump demolished the East Wing to build the ballroom he had long desired.

This year, the official White House Christmas tree, which is always on display in the Blue Room, honors Gold Star Families, those families who have lost a member during active military service.

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That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first thing visitors encountered after walking through those doors, but the building and the covered walkway, or columns, that connect it to the White House were demolished by Trump in October as part of his ballroom plan.

Public tours, which were suspended due to construction, are scheduled to resume on Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to the State Floor only, which includes the East Room; Green, blue and red rooms; State Dining Room; Cross Hall. And the large foyer.

The library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the ground floor – one level below the State Floor – were cut off from the tour route due to construction work.

The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the doors of the North Portico on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new semi-permanent walkway and entrance.

A statement issued by the White House said that Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the United States exceptional, and that although every home has its own traditions, common values ​​unite Americans.

“In every community, simple acts of kindness that reflect America’s enduring spirit of generosity, patriotism and gratitude lift us up,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that America’s heart is strong and that home is where the heart is.”

Holiday planning begins months in advance, and the White House said that Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.

The trees in the East Room are decorated with red, white, blue and patriotic symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the upcoming patriotic celebration of America 250.

Christmas decorations in the East Room, during a media preview of 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars in honor of families who have lost a loved one to active military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory, and this year the spruce is decorated with ornaments displaying each state and territory’s official bird and flower.

The Blue Room of the White House during a media preview of the 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

The Green Room celebrates family fun, displaying large portraits of the first and current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 LEGO puzzle pieces.

A Lego image of US President George Washington in the Green Room of the White House during a media preview of the 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

A Lego image of US President Donald Trump is displayed in the Green Room of the White House during a media preview of the 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in celebration of youth and honor Melania Trump’s Enhancing the Future initiative, which is part of her child-focused Be Best initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.

The White House Red Room during a media preview of 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

A holiday highlight is the Gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room, which shows off the mansion’s south portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the President’s private living quarters on the second floor.

A white gingerbread house is displayed in the White House State Dining Room during a media preview of the 2025 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, December 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

It was made using 120 pounds (54 kg) of gingerbread, and 100 pounds (45 kg) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; Over 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of chocolate and 5 lbs (2.2 kg) of royal icing.

Part of the White House Nursery is on display in the Grand Rotunda while the rest is undergoing restoration overseen by the museum’s curator’s office.
Most of the tree trimming and hall decking took place after the Trump family moved into their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.