White House Christmas tree facts for kids
The White House Christmas Tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official indoor Christmas tree at the home of the President of the United States, the White House. The first indoor Christmas tree was put up in the White House sometime in the 1800s. Since 1961, the tree has had a special theme chosen by the First Lady of the United States.
Contents
A Look Back: The Tree's History
When Was the First Tree?
There are different ideas about when the very first Christmas tree appeared in the White House. Some say President Franklin Pierce had the first indoor tree in the 1850s. Other sources believe it was President Benjamin Harrison who had the first tree, either in 1888, 1889, or 1891. His wife, First Lady Caroline Harrison, even helped decorate it. This tree was placed in a room called the Yellow Oval Room today.
How the Tradition Grew
After President Harrison, indoor trees were not always used at the White House. First Lady Lou Henry Hoover started a new tradition in 1929. She was the first presidential wife to decorate an "official" White House Christmas tree.
A big change happened in 1961. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy started the tradition of choosing a special theme for the White House Christmas tree. Her first theme was based on the famous ballet, Nutcracker.
Years Without a Tree
Not every year had an indoor White House Christmas tree. For example, there was no tree in 1902, 1904, 1907, and 1922. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt simply didn't order one in time.
Some presidents never displayed a tree at all. The first U.S. President, George Washington, lived before the White House was built. There is also no proof that Abraham Lincoln ever had a Christmas tree there. In 1922, First Lady Florence Harding was sick, so the Christmas celebration was quieter, and no tree was put up.
The Official White House Christmas Tree
What the Tree Looks Like
The White House Christmas tree is chosen from special farms across the country. Farms in North Carolina have provided the most trees, sending 12 so far. Washington and Wisconsin are tied for second, each providing seven trees.
Since 1961, the official White House Christmas tree has often been displayed in the Blue Room. Sometimes, it has also been in the Entrance Hall. The White House usually has many Christmas trees. For example, in 1997, there were 36 trees, and in 2008, there were 27. But the tree in the Blue Room is always the main, official one.
This special tree is usually very tall, almost 20 feet high! The crystal chandelier in the Blue Room even has to be removed to make space for it. The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) donates the Blue Room tree every year. They have been doing this since 1966. The tree is chosen through a fun competition among the tree growers.
Official Blue Room Trees (1961–2020)
Here are some examples of the official White House Christmas trees and their themes:
Image | Year | Species and location grown | Ornamentation notes | First Lady | Location | Theme |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Fraser fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia | Students from all over the country created art showing what makes their state beautiful. These mini masterpieces decorated the tree. | Melania Trump | Blue Room | America the Beautiful | |
2019 | Colorado blue spruce, Palmyra, Pennsylvania | Melania Trump | Blue Room | The Spirit of America | ||
2018 | Fraser fir, Newland, North Carolina | Melania Trump | Blue Room | American Treasures | ||
2017 | Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin | Melania Trump | Blue Room | Time-Honored Traditions - the Gift of Holiday | ||
2016 | Douglas fir, Oconto, Wisconsin | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | The Gift of the Holidays | ||
2015 | Fraser fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania | This tree honored our nation's service members, veterans, and their families. It had messages of hope for troops and patriotic red, white, and blue symbols. | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | A Timeless Tradition | |
![]() |
2014 | Concolor fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania | The tree's theme was "America the Brave." Children from U.S. military bases worldwide made the ornaments, including thank-you cards for military members. | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | A Children's Winter Wonderland |
![]() |
2012 | Fraser fir, Jefferson, North Carolina | This tree was dedicated to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families. Children living on military bases decorated the ornaments. | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | Joy to All |
![]() |
2010 | Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania | The tree honored state and county fairs. It featured prize ribbons from every state and territory. | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | "Simple Gifts" |
![]() |
2009 | Douglas fir, Shepherdstown, West Virginia | About 800 old ornaments were sent to community groups across the country. They decorated them to honor local landmarks and sent them back for display. | Michelle Obama | Blue Room | Reflect, Rejoice, Renew |
![]() |
2008 | Fraser fir, Crumpler, North Carolina | Artists from around the country designed patriotic ornaments. Members of Congress selected these artists. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | A Red, White, and Blue Christmas |
![]() |
2007 | Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina | Each ornament represented one of the 391 National Park Service sites. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | Holiday in the National Parks |
![]() |
2006 | Douglas fir, Lehighton, Pennsylvania | Decorated with crystals and ornaments of shiny glass. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | Deck the Halls and Welcome All |
![]() |
2005 | Fraser fir, Laurel Springs, North Carolina | Featured white lilies, crystal balls, and sparkling garland. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | All Things Bright and Beautiful |
![]() |
2004 | Noble fir, Rochester, Washington | Musical instruments were hand-painted by artists. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | A Season of Merriment and Melody |
![]() |
2003 | Fraser fir, Wisconsin | Ornaments first used by Barbara Bush in 1989 were reused. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | A Season of Stories |
![]() |
2002 | Noble fir, Elma, Washington | An artist from each state designed an ornament based on a bird native to their state. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | All Creatures Great and Small |
![]() |
2001 | White fir, Middleburg, Pennsylvania | An artist from each state designed tiny models of historic houses from their area. | Laura Bush | Blue Room | Home for the Holidays |
![]() |
2000 | Douglas fir, Auburn, Pennsylvania | Ornaments were from the First Lady's past. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Holiday Reflections |
![]() |
1999 | Noble fir, Elma, Washington | Doll makers created toys of American historical figures for this tree. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Holiday Treasures at the White House |
![]() |
1998 | Balsam fir, Endeavor, Wisconsin | Knitting and painting artists from each state worked on the ornaments. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Winter Wonderland |
![]() |
1997 | Fraser fir, Grassy Creek, North Carolina | Needlework and fashion designers, along with glass artists, created the decorations. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Santa's Workshop |
![]() |
1996 | Colorado blue spruce, Coshocton, Ohio | Woodcraft artists and ballet companies helped with the ornaments. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Nutcracker Suite |
![]() |
1995 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | Ornaments were made by American architecture students and architects. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | A Visit From St. Nicholas |
![]() |
1994 | Blue spruce, Missouri | Ornaments were made by American art students. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | The Twelve Days of Christmas |
![]() |
1993 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | More than 1,000 artists made angel-themed ornaments. | Hillary Clinton | Blue Room | Angels |
![]() |
1992 | Grand fir, Oregon | White House florists made 88 gift-giving characters. | Barbara Bush | Blue Room | Gift-givers |
![]() |
1991 | Noble fir, Salem, Oregon | A needlepoint village and Noah's Ark pieces were created for the tree. | Barbara Bush | Blue Room | Needle work tree |
![]() |
1990 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | Featured tiny porcelain dancers. | Barbara Bush | Blue Room | Nutcracker Suite |
![]() |
1989 | Fraser fir, Pennsylvania | White House staff created 80 soft-sculpture characters from books. | Barbara Bush | Blue Room | Family literacy |
![]() |
1988 | Balsam fir, Montello, Wisconsin | Reused old glass ornaments and state flower balls. Carpenters made wood candles. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Old-fashioned tree |
![]() |
1987 | Fraser fir, West Virginia | Mini instruments, notes, and sheet music were made by patients at Second Genesis. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Musical theme |
![]() |
1986 | Fraser fir, Washington | 15 soft-sculpture nursery rhyme scenes and 100 geese were made by patients at Second Genesis. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Mother Goose theme |
![]() |
1985 | Blue spruce, Lake City, Michigan | 1,500 ornaments were made by patients at Second Genesis. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Ornaments made from Christmas cards sent to the Reagans in 1984. |
![]() |
1984 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | Ornaments were made by patients at Second Genesis. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Ornaments made from natural plant materials. |
![]() |
1983 | Noble fir, Orting, Washington | Reused 1982 ornaments and added old-fashioned toys from a museum. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Old-Fashioned toys. |
![]() |
1982 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | Ornaments were made by patients at Second Genesis. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Foil paper cones and metallic snowflakes |
![]() |
1981 | Douglas fir, Pennsylvania | Ornaments were loaned by the Museum of American Folk Art. | Nancy Reagan | Blue Room | Ornaments from the Museum of American Folk Art. |
![]() |
1980 | Douglas fir, Bristol, Indiana | Decorated with dolls, hats, fans, tapestries, and laces. | Rosalynn Carter | Blue Room | Victorian theme |
![]() |
1979 | Douglas fir, West Virginia | Art students created ornaments from balsa wood, fabric, and dried flowers. | Rosalynn Carter | Blue Room | American folk art of the colonial period |
![]() |
1978 | Veitch fir, New York | Victorian dolls and tiny furniture were loaned from a museum. | Rosalynn Carter | Blue Room | Antique toys |
![]() |
1977 | Noble fir, Washington | A group called the National Association for Retarded Citizens made eggshell ornaments. | Rosalynn Carter | Blue Room | Painted milkweed pods, nut pods, foil, and eggshell ornaments. |
![]() |
1976 | Balsam fir, Wisconsin | Natural ornaments were made by the Garden Club of America. | Betty Ford | Blue Room | "Love that is the spirit of Christmas" |
![]() |
1975 | Douglas fir, New York | Ornaments from 1974 were reused. Experts made new ones from paper snowflakes, acorns, dried fruits, pinecones, vegetables, straw, cookies, and yarn. | Betty Ford | Blue Room | Old-fashioned children's Christmas |
![]() |
1974 | Concolor fir, Mayville, Michigan | Ornaments were made by women from Appalachia and senior citizen groups. | Betty Ford | Blue Room | Handmade crafts, thrift, and recycling |
1973 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | In honor of James Madison. | Pat Nixon | Blue Room | Gold theme | |
![]() |
1972 | Noble fir, Washington | Reused 1969 ornaments, and added 3,000 pastel satin balls and 150 gold federal stars. | Pat Nixon | Blue Room | Still Life with Fruit and Nature’s Bounty, paintings by Severin Roesen |
![]() |
1971 | Fraser fir, North Carolina | Reused 1969 ornaments, and added Monroe fans and gold foil angels. | Pat Nixon | Blue Room | American Flower Tree |
1970 | White spruce, Wisconsin | Reused 1969 ornaments, and added 53 Monroe fans. | Pat Nixon | Blue Room | American Flower Tree | |
![]() |
1969 | Blue spruce, Ohio | Disabled workers from Florida made velvet and satin balls featuring each state's state flower. | Pat Nixon | North Entrance | American Flower Tree |
![]() |
1968 | White pine, Indianapolis | Decorated in a 19th-century American style with gingerbread cookies. | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | 19th century gingerbread tree |
1967 | Blue spruce, Ohio | Similar to 1965–66, but with silver baubles, silver stars, and round mirrors added. | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | Early American | |
![]() |
1966 | Balsam fir, Wisconsin | Traditional ornaments: nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies, and wood roses from Hawaii. | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | Early American |
![]() |
1965 | Traditional ornaments: nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies, and wood roses from Hawaii. | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | Early American | |
![]() |
1964 | Balsam fir | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | ||
![]() |
1963 | The tree was very simple because the nation was sad after John F. Kennedy's death. | Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson | Blue Room | ||
![]() |
1962 | Reused ornaments from 1961, plus others made by disabled people and senior citizens. | Jacqueline Kennedy | North Entrance | Childhood | |
![]() |
1961 | Balsam fir | Toys, birds, and angels designed after Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite ballet. | Jacqueline Kennedy | Blue Room | Nutcracker Suite |
Other White House Christmas Trees Over Time
Here are some other Christmas trees that have been displayed in the White House:
Year | Species and location grown | General notes | First Lady | Location | Theme (if any) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1960 | Presents were piled high under a beautiful tree in the East Room. | Mamie Eisenhower | East Room | ||
1959 | There were 26 trees, including one in the laundry room and one for David Eisenhower. | Mamie Eisenhower | 26 trees throughout the White House | ||
1958 | Decorated with electric candle lights, glass balls, and lots of tinsel. | Mamie Eisenhower | 27 trees throughout the White House | ||
1957 | Mamie Eisenhower | East Room | |||
1955 | Mamie Eisenhower | East Room | |||
1954 | Decorated with silver tinsel. The Eisenhower grandchildren opened presents under this tree. | Mamie Eisenhower | East Room | ||
1947 | Bess Truman | East Room | |||
1944 | The Christmas tree was decorated, and piles of presents were ready for unwrapping. | Eleanor Roosevelt | Family quarters | ||
1939 | Eleanor Roosevelt | East Room | |||
1937 | Sparkled with snow and silver decorations. | Eleanor Roosevelt | East Room | ||
1936 | Eleanor Roosevelt | East Room | |||
1934 | Many trees were put up. Some were for the public, and others were for the Roosevelt family. A large tree was in the East Room. | Eleanor Roosevelt | East Room | ||
1929 | This was the first "official" White House tree. | Lou Henry Hoover | |||
1926 | Mrs. Coolidge chose to have three Christmas trees at the White House. | Grace Coolidge | |||
1923 | Norway spruce | The White House had two Christmas trees. | Grace Coolidge | Blue Room, and family quarters | |
1917 | Edith Bolling Wilson | ||||
1916 | The tree was for Wilson's great niece Josephine Cothran. | Edith Bolling Wilson | Library | ||
1915 | Filled with gifts from family members and the household staff. | Edith Bolling Wilson | Library | ||
1914 | none | White House library | |||
1912 | Helen Herron Taft | Blue Room | |||
1908 | The first time a tree was in the Roosevelt White House that wasn't just for young Archie Roosevelt. | Edith Roosevelt | |||
1905 | The tree was decorated by Archie Roosevelt. He was the only family member who loved Christmas trees, and he gave out presents using it. | Edith Roosevelt | |||
1903 | The tree was decorated only by young Archie Roosevelt. | Edith Roosevelt | Living Room (The President's Den) (then Archie Roosevelt's bedroom) | ||
1896 | Decorated with red, white, and blue electric lights. Mrs. Cleveland oversaw the decorating, which included tinsel and toys. | Frances Cleveland | Library | ||
1895 | Cedar | The tree featured electric lights. | Frances Cleveland | Library | |
1894 | "Beautifully trimmed and decorated" with "tiny multi-colored electric lamps instead of old wax candles." | Frances Cleveland | Library | ||
1893 | Frances Cleveland | Library | |||
1891 | Caroline Harrison | Library | |||
1890 | At least one tree was displayed "for the little ones." | Caroline Harrison | |||
1889 | Foxtail hemlock | Decorated with glass balls, pendants, and gold tinsel. Four-sided lanterns used candles for lighting. This is often said to be the first White House Christmas tree, but some disagree. | Caroline Harrison | Yellow Oval Room | |
1888 | ". . . tree loaded with gifts for most of the important people in Washington." | Frances Cleveland | East Room | ||
1853 or 1856 | Decorated for a group of school children from Washington, D.C. This is also claimed to be the first White House Christmas tree, but it is debated. | Jane Pierce |
Images for kids
-
2013 Blue Room Tree.jpg
Ornaments on the 2013 Blue Room tree paid tribute to military families.
-
2011 Blue Room Tree.jpg
The 2011 Blue Room tree displayed medals, badges, and patches from all military branches.