Summary
- White House seeks volunteers for Christmas decorations.
- Applications open until September 5, 2025.
- Performers can also apply for holiday events.
- Volunteers must cover their own expenses.
- Selected applicants notified by October 13 deadline.
Beginning on Monday, applications will be
accepted until 5 p.m. on September 5. Notification of the chosen candidates
will be sent by October 13 at 5 p.m.
Travel, lodging, and other costs are the
responsibility of each volunteer. They must be available to work November 24–30
and be at least 18 years old.
“Americans from every U.S. state and
territory are invited to apply for the opportunity to assist with decorating at
the White House or showcase their talents as a performer at the holiday open
houses,”
a press release said.
In December, open houses will feature musical
ensembles and performers. According to the White House, acts such as choirs,
school bands, and performers with seasonal themes are encouraged to submit.
Over the years, first women have contributed to
holiday events, showing their unique decorating ideas.
National Guard men and their families attended
the unveiling of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s holiday décor.
“One of the privileges I have as first lady
is deciding who will be the first to experience the magic of the season here at
the White House. And every year, I’ve asked to share it with the National Guard
families,”
Biden said during the unveiling in 2024.
First Lady Melania Trump’s first Christmas
season, honored “Time-Honored Traditions.”
“The president, Barron, and I are very
excited for our first Christmas in the White House,”
the first lady said
in a statement.
“As with many families across the country, holiday
traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House
this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays.”
After eight years in the White House, First Lady
Michelle Obama was emotional at her last holiday unveiling.
“Thank you to all of the volunteers who
traveled here from 33 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, to come here and put up
these beautiful decorations and transform this White House into this holiday
wonderland”
Obama said in her opening remarks.
“As we celebrate my
family’s last holiday season in the White House, I’m thinking back to when we
first came here to Washington — and we promised to open up this house to as
many people from as many backgrounds as possible.”
First Lady Laura Bush announced her holiday
decor soon after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“I am disappointed there are not tours this
season. We had to err on the side of caution and safety. All of us are going to
deal with this Christmas with a balance of tradition and the reality of what
happened on Sept. 11,”
Bush said standing beside an ornately decorated
18-foot Concolor fir in the Blue Room.
“Because this year’s holiday season
follows a national tragedy, both home and family have special meaning to all
Americans,”
she said.
What are the key eligibility requirements for
White House Christmas decorators and performers?
Decorator volunteers must be at least 18 years
old. There is no minimum age requirement for performers. The White House
encourages applications from military-connected families, educators, frontline
workers, and students.
Decorators must be available to be in
Washington, D.C. for the week of late November (for example, November 24-30,
2024). Performers take part during White House holiday tours in December.
Volunteers typically need to be U.S. citizens or
legal residents, able to pass background checks for security reasons. All
selected volunteers are responsible for their individual travel,
accommodations, and personal expenses.
