WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22:  U.S. first lady Melania Trump watches children participating in the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. About 30,000 people are expected to attend the annual tradition of rolling colored eggs down the South Lawn of the White House that dates back to the Rutherford B. Hayes Administration in 1878.  (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)© Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump Announces Date for Spring Event at the White House: Everything to Know

The tradition began in 1878


FEBRUARY 27, 2025 2:55 PM EST

The White House Easter Egg Roll is rolling back to the South Lawn. First Lady Melania Trump has announced the date for the 2025 springtime event. This year's White House Easter Egg Roll is set to take place on Monday, April 21. 

"The President and First Lady look forward to continuing this entertaining tradition and making it a truly memorable experience for all," the office of the first lady said in a press release.

The White House tradition dates back to 1878, when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. According to the National Park Service, Congress passed a law in 1876 that forbade the Capitol grounds from being used as a children's playground, but in 1878, President Hayes "issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so."

First Lady Melania Trump hosted her first White House Easter Egg Roll in 2017. During her husband President Donald Trump's first term, Easter Egg Roll activities included cards for troops, musical eggs, Be Best hopscotch, a reading nook and more. 

Before the tradition returns for the 147th time, here is everything to know about the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll:

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 17:  U.S. first lady Melania Trump prepares to read 'Party Animals' by Kathy Lee Gifford during the 139th Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. The White House said 21,000 people are expected to attend the annual tradition of rolling colored eggs down the White House lawn that was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.  (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)© Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

When is the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

This year's event is taking place on Monday, April 21. 

Are tickets being sold for the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

Tickets are not for sale.

How to get a ticket for the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

Tickets are allotted through a public lottery system. The lottery opens at 12 p.m. ET on March 4 and closes on March 10 at 12 p.m. ET. 

Is the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll lottery free?

Yes, the lottery is free to enter.

How many tickets can I get for the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

There's a limit of six tickets per household. Each application must include at least one child, who is 13 years old or younger, and one adult. A maximum of two adults can enter per application.

© BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

When will I know if I won a ticket for the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

The results of the lottery will be announced on March 18. Lottery winners will be notified via email.

How to apply for 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll tickets?

When the lottery opens, you can apply through Recreation.gov.

© Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Who is attending the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll?

Successful lottery applicants will join the president, first lady, White House staff and their families at the event.

When was the first White House Easter Egg Roll?

The first White House Easter Egg Roll was held on April 22, 1878. 

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