This year’s Christmas at the White House embraces President Donald Trump’s “America First” vision with a distinctive array of decorations.

In a nod to the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the décor reflects a patriotic theme. Trump has expressed a sense of destiny, noting that this significant celebration aligns with his second term.

The First Lady’s office has introduced the theme, “Home Is Where The Heart Is,” for the holiday season.

Many observers quickly noticed the stark contrast between this year’s decorations and the whimsical, circus-inspired theme adopted by former First Lady Jill Biden in 2024.

Social media users shared comparisons from previous years, highlighting Melania Trump’s traditional Christmas Nativity Scene against last year’s festive display, which featured diverse performers at the White House.

Adding a playful touch, President Trump included a Lego portrait of himself near a similar tribute to George Washington, the first President of the United States.

‘This is what CLASS truly looks like,’ one pro-MAGA user wrote, posting an image of the Merry-Go-Round Christmas tree from last year side-by-side with the tree on display currently with the toy portraits. ‘I can’t believe Jill denigrated Christmas at the White House like that. We’re so back.’

To showcase the whimsy of the season, more than 10,000 blue butterflies were featured in celebration of the ‘youth who represent our Nation’s bright future’ as well as 75 wreaths and 51 Christmas trees throughout the White House. 

But the decoration tour is much less expansive than years past after Trump tore up the East Wing to make way for construction of his new grand ballroom. Staff work space had to be moved to the lower level of the White House – limiting the area the first lady could decorate this year.

Christmas decorations at the White House this year include a portrait of President Donald Trump made entirely of Lego blocks 

The annual White House Gingerbread House this year included a rare glimpse inside the Yellow Oval Room of the president’s residence. The concoction is mroe than 200 pounds

First Lady Melania Trump had a Be Best room filled with more than 10,000 blue butterflies in the tree, wreaths and garland

The first lady is tasked with designing the holiday decorations at the White House every year 

The Blue Room at the heart of the White House displayed the official White House Christmas Tree, which Melania Trump received in November

The official tree was adorned with 3-D printed ornaments of all 50 states and their respective state birds

Christmas trees and holiday decorations surround the Cross Hall during an advance tour of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations on December 1

Lego portraits of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump in the Green Room of the White House

The route starts in the East Room, where right beyond the wall construction is ongoing for the event space Trump says will host thousands once completed.  

It then expands into the Green Room, where a few retro toys were spaced throughout and bookended by the Lego portraits of the first and most recent presidents. 

The Blue Oval Room, which has a window looking out to the South Lawn and the Washington Monument, was adorned by this year’s official White House tree and included 3-D printed ornaments of every US state and an image of their respective state birds. 

The Red Room featured a tree with ribbons reading the first lady’s ‘Be Best’ slogan, and a unique touch of blue butterflies popping out of the tree, wreaths and garlands. The State Dining Room included the annual White House Gingerbread House, which this year provided a rare glimpse into a replica of the Yellow Oval Room of the president’s residence. 

And the tour ended in the Grand Foyer where the President’s Marine band played Christmas tunes, including the entire soundtrack of The Nutcracker.

‘Melania Trump brings tradition back to the White House with her ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’ holiday decor,’ Fox News political commentator Will Cain lauded on X. 

First ladies are historically in charge of the decor, and Melania Trump went all-in on the patriotic theme throughout the White House this year – but specifically in the East Room where the America250 motif shined. 

The decorations sought to highlight the concept of ‘America, Our Home’ as a reminder that ‘the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.’

Beyond the limited space, Melania’s decorations were much more sparse and less extravagant than in her husband’s first term where every inch of the space was covered in lights, firs and ribbon. 

The outside of the White House remained in its traditional garb as with past years, with red-bow laden wreaths adorning every window. 

Lego portraits of President George Washington and President Donald Trump decorate the Green Room of the White House 

The Official White House Christmas Tree on display in the Blue Room of the White House

The Gingerbread White House is displayed in the State Dining Room

A Christmas tree on display in the Red Room of the White House

Christmas trees on display in the Center Hall of the White House

A Lego portrait of first US President George Washington sat a few feet from Trump’s own unique portrait

The East Room was themed with America250 as an homage to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The 2025 decoration tour was stunted compared to previous years due to ongoing construction on the East Wing for Trump’s new ballroom

The decorations featured 75 wreaths and 51 Christmas trees scattered throughout the White House

The President’s Marine Band played Christmas tunes, including the entire soundtrack to The Nutcracker, as visitors toured the holiday decor

A Christmas card from US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are displayed at the White House along with the 2025 official White House ornament 

An America250 spokesperson said of this year’s decorations: ‘We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year’s White House holiday celebration.’

‘As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans,’ they added. ‘It’s also a moment to look ahead with excitement—to the many ways we’ll come together in the year ahead to honor our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our collective future.’

The East Room, currently the largest room of the White House, highlighted America250 the most with red, white and blue trees and symbols of American patriotism, including large custom eagle tree toppers.