White House Menorah, Biden Administration

This photograph of the White House menorah in the Cross Hall was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. The menorah was crafted by skilled White House carpenters using wood recovered during the Harry S. Truman renovation in the 1950s. The menorah, a part of the White House Collection, made its debut during the 2022 holiday season. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 200th anniversary of Twas the Night Before Christmas influenced the decorations in the Cross Hall and the adjoining Entrance Hall. Throughout the space, including in the niches along the Cross Halls south wall and a soaring Santa Claus and sleigh above the Entrance Hall, were scenes from the famous holiday tale.