White House tours resume Tuesday, just in time for the holidays, but with a much smaller footprint following this year’s East Wing demolition. The three-month hiatus was caused by President Trump’s decision to build an estimated $300 million ballroom, which required removing the East Wing. Images of the demolition drew controversy, and polling indicates a majority of Americans oppose the project.
Journalists received a preview Monday of the truncated tour and the holiday decorations the White House says were “personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America.” The White House counted 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.
First lady Melania Trump and her team worked with far less space. Tours now start and finish at the North Portico and include the East Room, Blue Room, Green Room, Red Room and State Dining Room. The East Wing and basement rooms such as the Map Room are no longer on the public route. A semi-permanent structure has been erected on the North Lawn for guest security screening.
The Blue Room houses the official 18-foot White House Christmas tree, adorned with gold stars and white globe ornaments representing all 56 U.S. states and territories. The ornaments were 3D printed with AI-assisted designs showing each state’s bird and flower, and the tree was decorated by Gold Star families. “Home is made safe because of the Gold Star families who sacrificed for our country, wherever they might call home across the world,” said Nicholas Clemens, communications director for the first lady, who served as an unofficial guide at the media preview.
The Green Room, described as celebrating “family fun,” features large Lego portraits of George Washington and President Trump; each portrait contains about 6,000 Lego bricks. Clemens said volunteers from across the country helped carry boxes of garland, tie bows and install decorations.
The Red Room includes more than 10,000 blue butterflies intended to honor young people, including youth who’ve experienced foster care. Tree ornaments read “Be Best” and a ribbon through the branches says “Fostering the Future,” reflecting two of the first lady’s initiatives.
The East Room is themed for America’s 250th anniversary next year, featuring patriotic colors and national symbols. A large golden curtain conceals what Trump has called a “knock out wall” that will lead to the planned ballroom where the East Wing once stood. “It looks pretty nice right now, but it’s going to look a lot better in a little while,” Trump said previously.
In the State Dining Room, the gingerbread White House — depicting the view from the South Lawn with a sugar American flag — remains a highlight. The model opens to the second-floor view of the Yellow Oval, offering a glimpse into the private residence’s current Yellow Oval design. The gingerbread display contains 120 pounds of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 10 pounds of chocolate and 5 pounds of royal icing; apart from a few small lights, most elements are edible, Clemens said.
Asked about the smaller tour footprint and ongoing renovations, Clemens declined to comment. Beyond the East Wing demolition, the president has made several prominent changes to the White House: the Rose Garden was transformed into a patio modeled after a space at Mar-a-Lago, the Oval Office has been heavily gilded, and the Lincoln bathroom in the residence received an extensive marble makeover.
Tour tickets can be requested through members of Congress, who receive an allotment for constituents.