Search & Explore Resources & Shop Main Content Holiday Cheer at the White House The White House observance of Christmas before the twentieth century was not an official event. First families decorated the house modestly with greens and privately celebrated the Yuletide with family and friends. President Calvin Coolidge was the first chief executive to preside over a public celebration during the holidays with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in 1923. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter lit the menorah at the National Menorah Lighting in Lafayette Square, making him the first president to light a menorah in celebration of Hanukkah at a public ceremony. Since then, the White House has expanded its celebrations of the holidays and sharing the joy of the season with Americans through themed holiday decorations, traditions, and public events. gallery Christmas at the White House Christmases Past Celebrating Hanukkah at the White House a coolidge christmas The First National Christmas Tree Lighting celebrations during renovations Christmas with the Trumans, 1945-1953 a white house full of family Christmas with the Eisenhowers, 1953-1961 The Christmas Eve West Wing Fire of 1929 a very special christmas gift President Lincoln and the Christmas of 1864 continuing traditions Christmas with the Hoovers, 1929-1933 Gingerbread at the White House: History of a Classic Dessert decorative themes and family time Christmas with the Kennedys, 1960-1963 ten years of christmas at the white house Christmas with the Roosevelts, 1933-1945 the 1600 sessions Holidays at the White House Grid View List View Photos View collection The Johnson White House 1963 - 1969 collection The 2021 White House Christmas Ornament collection The 2020 White House Christmas Ornament collection Genevieve Gorder Partnership collection The White House in Gingerbread collection The 2018 White House Christmas Ornament collection Truman White House 1945 - 1953 podcast The President's Helicopter collection The 2016 White House Christmas Ornament podcast Fearless Leadership: A Conversation with Jean Case podcast Holidays at the White House collection The 2017 White House Christmas Ornament Keep Looking? White House Historical Association Home STAY IN TOUCH? Submit Book the Decatur House Buy the White House Ornament Terms of Use and Privacy Policy The Official White House Christmas Ornament Buy Now