The White House announced Friday that it is resuming public tours to allow visitors to behold first lady Melania Trump’s Christmas decorations following the demolition of the East Wing.
Tours were suspended in August as the Trump administration began clearing out the East Wing to make way for President Trump’s planned $300 million ballroom.
“The White House will reopen its doors for public tours on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with an updated route offering guests the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of the People’s House,” the first lady’s office said.
“In celebration of the holiday season, all December tours will feature the White House Christmas decorations on the State Floor. The decorations in each room will be thoughtfully designed and curated under the direction of First Lady Melania Trump.”
Tours are booked through congressional offices and allow participants access to rooms in the basement and ground floor of the executive mansion.
In the past, visitors entered the White House through the East Wing before walking down a now-demolished hallway that served as a popular selfie spot with holiday decorations. An adjacent movie theater room served as the coat check during Christmas parties.
Melania Trump dutifully partook in Christmastime preparations during her husband’s first term, but a tape leaked in 2020 by her former friend and aide Stephanie Winston Wolkoff indicated she had mixed feelings about the traditional first-lady duties.
“I’m working … my ass off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f–k about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?” she said.
