Holiday Cheer at the White House

The White House observance of Christmas before the twentieth century was not an official event. First families decorated the house modestly with greens and privately celebrated the Yuletide with family and friends. President Calvin Coolidge was the first chief executive to preside over a public celebration during the holidays with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in 1923. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter lit the menorah at the National Menorah Lighting in Lafayette Square, making him the first president to light a menorah in celebration of Hanukkah at a public ceremony. Since then, the White House has expanded its celebrations of the holidays and sharing the joy of the season with Americans through themed holiday decorations, traditions, and public events.