The White House transforms into a Christmas Wonderland: 142,000 lights, 98 trees, and 34,000 ornaments [Photos]

This year, 98 Christmas trees, over 142,000 lights, 350 candles, and almost 34,000 ornaments adorn the hallways of the presidential residence, which has transformed into a winter paradise to celebrate these cherished holidays. In the image, you can see the official White House tree, which this year comes from Fleetwood, North Carolina.

“For this year’s holidays at the White House, our theme is inspired by how children experience this festive season: completely present in the beauty and bounty around them, their senses alight, with hearts open to the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the season” wrote the Bidens in a statement which they also shared on social media.

Giant sweets hang from the ceiling of the East Wing, reminding children and families of the delicious flavors of the holidays. Lollipops, macarons, ice cream, and colorful clouds have been carefully placed by over 300 volunteers (one of the highest numbers in recent history) who worked for over a week to decorate the White House.

The First Lady said, “We have Santa’s magical sleigh suspended in the air in the Grand Foyer, a working train running around the Official White House Christmas Tree, and a Gingerbread White House that celebrates the 200th Anniversary of a childhood favorite, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas!”

Toy soldiers, ballerinas, fairies, mice, and candy canes decorate the hallways, library, and several rooms, interspersed with portraits of the 46 presidents and their first ladies hanging on the residence walls.

The decoration features numerous nods to the 200th anniversary of the book “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore, which contributed significantly to the Christmas iconography associated with Santa Claus.

In a corner of the presidential residence’s library, replicas of the Biden’s White House pets take center stage. Their cat, Willow, and German Shepherd, Major, are cozily arranged on a bed of snow beside a window that mirrors the image of Santa Claus in his sleigh.

On the Christmas tree were hung letters from kids to President Joe Biden and Santa Claus.

The Christmas tour inside the White House concludes in the grand foyer, where Santa Claus and his reindeer-drawn sleigh are suspended in the air, giving the hall a magical and majestic touch.