Jill Biden's White House Christmas decorations include 77 trees, 83,615 holiday lights, and tributes to fallen soldiers. See the photos.

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Talia LakritzNov 29, 2022, 00:15 IST
Jill Biden's White House Christmas decorations include 77 trees, 83,615 holiday lights, and tributes to fallen soldiers. See the photos.

Christmas decorations in the Green Room of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

  • On Monday, the White House unveiled its 2022 Christmas decorations, themed "We the People."
  • The White House Christmas display includes 77 trees and 83,615 holiday lights.
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The theme of this year's White House Christmas decorations, chosen by first lady Dr. Jill Biden, is "We the People."

The theme of this year's White House Christmas decorations, chosen by first lady Dr. Jill Biden, is "We the People."
Christmas decorations at the East Wing entrance of the White House.Alex Wong/Getty Images

"For this year's holidays at the White House, we hope to capture the spirit embodied in the very idea of America: We the People," the first lady wrote in a welcome letter in the 2022 White House Holiday Guide. "During your visit to the People's House, through rooms full of history and holiday décor, in the mirrored ornaments and reflective lights, our hope is that you feel at home and find yourself in the great story of America."

The first Christmas decorations visitors see upon entering the White House are Gold Star trees honoring fallen soldiers.

The first Christmas decorations visitors see upon entering the White House are Gold Star trees honoring fallen soldiers.
Gold Star trees at the White House.Alex Wong/Getty Images

The Gold Star trees are located at the East Entrance of the White House.

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The star ornaments recognize the service members' names, ranks, and dates of death.

The star ornaments recognize the service members' names, ranks, and dates of death.
Gold Star ornaments on Christmas trees at the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Supporting military families is a cause close to the first lady's heart. Her stepson Beau was a major in the Delaware National Guard before his death from brain cancer in 2015.

Wintery trees and white lanterns line the East Colonnade.

Wintery trees and white lanterns line the East Colonnade.
Christmas decorations in the East Colonnade.Alex Wong/Getty Images

The decorations are meant to evoke "the feelings of peace and tranquility after the first snowfall," according to the 2022 White House Holiday Guide.

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Renderings of Commander and Willow are shown enjoying holiday gifts in the Vermeil Room.

Renderings of Commander and Willow are shown enjoying holiday gifts in the Vermeil Room.
Decorations depicting Willow the cat and Commander the dog in the Vermeil Room of the White House.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The White House pets are depicted sitting in gift boxes from Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that delivers care packages to deployed troops, first responders, and military families.

An engraving of the Declaration of Independence sits on display in the White House Library.

An engraving of the Declaration of Independence sits on display in the White House Library.
Decorations in the Library of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

The copy of the Declaration of Independence was printed circa 1845 and donated to the White House in 1985.

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Biden family Christmas cards are displayed in the Booksellers Hallway.

Biden family Christmas cards are displayed in the Booksellers Hallway.
Biden family Christmas cards hang among holiday decorations at the White House.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The Bidens have three children and six grandchildren.

In the Red Room, stained glass windows shine alongside a tower of candles.

In the Red Room, stained glass windows shine alongside a tower of candles.
Christmas decorations in the Red Room of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Per White House tradition, the Red Room is decorated with fresh cranberries. This year, the room also features orchids — the first lady's favorite flower.

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The White House pets make another appearance in the State Dining Room.

The White House pets make another appearance in the State Dining Room.
Christmas decorations in the State Dining Room of the White House.Alex Wong/Getty Images

The ornaments on the Christmas trees in the State Dining Room were designed by students of the 2021 Teachers of the Year from across the US.

In keeping with the "We the People" theme, the gingerbread White House also features a gingerbread model of Independence Hall.

In keeping with the "We the People" theme, the gingerbread White House also features a gingerbread model of Independence Hall.
A gingerbread model of the White House.Jonathan Ernst

Located in the State Dining Room, the gingerbread White House took 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 40 pounds of royal icing to construct.

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Trees in the China Room are decorated with recipe cards contributed by volunteers.

Trees in the China Room are decorated with recipe cards contributed by volunteers.
Christmas trees in the China Room of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

The garlands also include wooden spoons, measuring cups, rolling pins, and cookies.

The official White House Christmas tree stands tall in the Blue Room.

The official White House Christmas tree stands tall in the Blue Room.
The White House Christmas Tree on display in the Blue Room.Patrick Semansky/AP

This year's official White House Christmas tree, grown in Auburn, Pennsylvania, measures in at 18.5 feet high.

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The Concolor Fir features handmade ornaments depicting the official bird of every US state and territory.

The Concolor Fir features handmade ornaments depicting the official bird of every US state and territory.
Ornaments on the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House.Alex Wong/Getty Images

The Blue Room's chandelier is removed every year so that the tree can fit inside.

The Green Room contains a smaller Christmas tree.

The Green Room contains a smaller Christmas tree.
Christmas decorations in the Green Room of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

The tree in the Green Room is adorned with sleigh bells, hand bells, and jingle bells.

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Decorations in the East Room pay tribute to national parks.

Decorations in the East Room pay tribute to national parks.
Christmas decorations in the East Room of the White House.Alex Wong/Getty Images

The display highlights four famous national parks: the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.

The Cross Hall of the White House glitters with twinkling lights.

The Cross Hall of the White House glitters with twinkling lights.
Christmas decorations in the Cross Hall of the White House.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Snowflakes are also projected onto the ceiling of the Cross Hall.

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Quotes from the preamble of the US Constitution appear on ornaments in the Cross Hall.

Quotes from the preamble of the US Constitution appear on ornaments in the Cross Hall.
A portrait of former president Barack Obama is seen next to Christmas decorations in the Cross Hall of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Former president Barack Obama's official White House portrait, painted by Robert McCurdy, can be seen in the background.

The planning process for the White House Christmas decorations begins in the spring.

The planning process for the White House Christmas decorations begins in the spring.
Christmas decorations are on display in the Grand Foyer of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Over 150 volunteers work for an entire week to decorate the White House for the holidays.

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In total, the White House Christmas display includes 77 trees and 83,615 holiday lights.

In total, the White House Christmas display includes 77 trees and 83,615 holiday lights.
Holiday decorations in the Cross Hall of the White House.JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

There are also 25 wreaths hanging on the north and south facades of the White House.

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