2021 White House Christmas in Pictures
Gallery
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For their first year in the White House, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose the theme, "Gifts from the Heart." The theme was meant to honor the things we cherish and bring us together despite the obstacles posed by a pandemic, time, and distance. Oversized gift boxes welcomed visitors at the East Wing entrance.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The oversized gift boxes that welcomed visitors at the East Wing entrance in the 2021 White House holiday decorations were adorned with a gift tag announcing the year's theme.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
Iridescent doves and shooting starts decorated the East Colonnade. The illuminating decorations were symbolic of the peace and light, and dedicated to frontline workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
In 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama chose to honor Gold Star military families with a special tree bearing the names of fallen military and decorated by the soldiers' families. The tradition continued beyond Mrs. Obama's time in the White House, including in 2021 by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden with the Gold Star Family tree in the East Landing.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The Gold Star Family tree in the East Landing honors the heroic men and women of our Nation's military, who have laid down their lives for their country, and the families who carry on their legacies.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The East Garden Room traditionally features displays of holiday cards sent by the president and first lady, as seen on the right.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
This year's decorations in the East Garden Room also featured trees adorned with the Official White House Christmas Ornaments, including the Official 2021 White House Christmas Ornament. The Official White House Ornament has been a part of the White House holiday decorations since the very first ornament in 1981.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The Library was decorated to reflect the "Gift of Learning" and educators finding ways to connect with students during the challenges of the pandemic.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
Stacks of books as well as butterflies and birds made of recycled newspapers decorate the Library, meant to symbolize soaring to new heights and achieving great things.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The decorations in the Vermeil Room for 2021 represented the "Gift of the Visual Arts" with paintbrushes and paint swatches displayed in a variety of vivid hues.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The paintbrushes and paint swatches decorate the Vermeil Room in bright, bold hues are meant to represent the diverse American artists whose talents bring delight to all.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The tree in the China Room in 2021 was strung with garlands of interlocking hands alongside a festively decorated table to symbolize the "Gifts of Friends and Sharing."
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The Ground Floor Corridor was lined with lush, green garlands and topiaries decorated with branches of red berries and white lights.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The East Room featured oversized thank-you cards to reflect the "Gift of Gratitude" that is often expressed through simple acts of kindness.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The East Room crèche, on display here in 2021, was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967 during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The green textiles and decor of the Green Room inspired the "Gifts of Nature", with purple trees and bouquets of live orchids throughout the room. Inspiration was also drawn from Henry Ossawa Tanner's painting Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City on the west wall and the painter's use of real sand for texture.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The 2021 Blue Room Christmas tree was an 18 1/2-foot Fraser fir hailing from Jefferson, North Carolina. It was grown by Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms. The tree was adorned with peace doves bearing a ribbon with the names of the fifty states and U.S. territories to symbolize "Peace and Unity."
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
For 2021, the Red Room paid tribute to the "Gift of Performing Arts" with brass instruments suspended from the mantel and ballet slippers, tap shoes, and musical notes scattered about the tree.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
Violins, hung from the windows in the Red Room, pay tribute to the "Gift of the Preforming Arts."
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
In the State Dining Room for 2021, Dr. Biden honored the families that resided in the White House before hers. Photographs of previous first families decorated the two trees in the room, representing the "Gift of Family." Dr. Biden also had six stockings hung from the room's mantel, one for each of President and Dr. Biden's grandchildren.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The White House gingerbread house, located in the State Dining Room, featured eight community buildings in addition to the Executive Mansion. The buildings, including a hospital, schoolhouse, and post office, honored frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The gingerbread house was made of 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage, 35 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The Cross Hall was decorated with suspended candles, and displays among the Christmas trees and alcoves showcasing villages in winter to represent the "Gift of Faith and Community."
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
The United States Marine Band performed in the Entrance Hall for the debut of the 2021 holiday decorations.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
For 2021, Dr. Biden personally requested the placement of the wreath in the pediment of the North Portico of the White House, the first known time a wreath was hung there.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association
About this Gallery
The White House and its residence share the holiday cheer felt by all of the country this time of year. Since 1961, the Executive Mansion decorates its halls with a holiday theme. This year’s theme, Gifts from the Heart, reflects the things Americans hold sacred — that unite us and transcend distance, time, and even the pandemic: faith, family, and friendship; a love of the arts, learning and nature; gratitude, service, and community; unity and peace. These are the "gifts from the heart." Browse our gallery for a closer look at the 2021 White House holiday decor.
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