Public tours of the White House resumed Tuesday for the holiday season, but the route is markedly smaller after this year’s demolition of the East Wing. The three-month pause followed the president’s decision to remove the East Wing to make way for an estimated $300 million ballroom, a plan that generated controversial images and public opposition in recent polling.
Reporters were given a preview Monday of the shortened tour and the holiday décor the White House says were “personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America.” The administration provided counts of the decorations: 75 wreaths with red bows, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet of garland, over 2,000 strands of lights, more than 25,000 feet of ribbon and 2,800 gold stars.
Because of the construction, tours now begin and end at the North Portico and proceed through a smaller set of public rooms: the East Room, the Blue Room, the Green Room, the Red Room and the State Dining Room. The East Wing itself and some basement spaces, including the Map Room, are no longer part of the visitor route. A semi-permanent screening structure has been erected on the North Lawn for guest security checks.
The Blue Room contains the 18-foot official White House Christmas tree, trimmed with gold stars and white globe ornaments said to represent all 56 U.S. states and territories. Those ornaments were produced with 3D printing and AI-assisted design to depict each state’s bird and flower, and the tree was decorated by Gold Star families. Nicholas Clemens, communications director for the first lady, who acted as an unofficial guide during the media preview, highlighted the Gold Star families’ role: “Home is made safe because of the Gold Star families who sacrificed for our country, wherever they might call home across the world.”
The Green Room was presented as a celebration of “family fun” and includes two large Lego portraits — one of George Washington and one of President Trump — each assembled from roughly 6,000 Lego bricks. Clemens said volunteers from around the country helped carry boxes, tie bows and install decorations.
The Red Room features more than 10,000 blue butterflies intended to honor young people, including those who have experienced foster care. Ornaments on a tree read “Be Best,” and a ribbon threaded through the branches says “Fostering the Future,” reflecting initiatives promoted by the first lady.
The East Room’s theme looks ahead to America’s 250th anniversary next year, with patriotic colors and national symbols on display. A large golden curtain conceals what the president has called a “knock out wall” that will open to the planned ballroom where the East Wing once stood; the president previously said the finished space will be an improvement.
In the State Dining Room, a gingerbread model of the White House — showing the view from the South Lawn and topped with a sugar American flag — remains a centerpiece. The display opens to a second-floor view of the Yellow Oval and offers a glimpse of the private residence’s current Yellow Oval décor. The gingerbread construction uses roughly 120 pounds of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 10 pounds of chocolate and 5 pounds of royal icing; aside from a few small lights, most elements are edible, Clemens said.
When asked about the reduced tour footprint and ongoing renovations, Clemens declined to comment. The East Wing demolition is one of several notable changes at the White House this year; officials point to alterations including a Rose Garden renovation that drew comparisons to Mar-a-Lago, heavy gilding in the Oval Office, and an extensive marble makeover to the Lincoln bathroom in the residence.
Members of Congress continue to receive an allotment of White House tour tickets for constituents; requests must be made through a member’s office.