2023 Historic Crèche in the East Room, Biden Administration

This photograph of the East Room was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. 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. Advent calendars counting down the days until Christmas decorated the East Room. Behind each number was a special surprise for visitors to enjoy. Also in the East Room was the traditional crèche, seen here. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines that date back to the 18th-century. The crèche has been displayed in the East Room every holiday season since 1967.