In photos: Jill Biden unveils White House 2023 holiday decor
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The East Room has a 'Countdown to Christmas' theme. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios
First lady Jill Biden unveiled the White House's 2023 holiday decor this week, along with an ice rink on the South Lawn.
This year's theme: "Magic, Wonder and Joy," which the first lady said was inspired by how children experience the season.
The big picture: Jill Biden recalled her childhood skating on the Delaware River as she took to the new rink Wednesday — sans skates — for the opening.
- The rink is not open to the general public, and rather by invite for children of military families, frontline workers, first responders and local school children.
Meanwhile, many of the decorations were candy-inspired, and some of the ornaments were made by children. Letters to Santa and to President Biden from kids across the country were also on display.
By the numbers: It took over 300 volunteers from around the country working a full week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House. The display includes:
- 98 Christmas trees
- Over 33,800 ornaments
- Over 142,400 lights
The gingerbread White House was made with 40 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 40 sheets of gingerbread dough, 90 pounds of pastillage (a hard-drying cake decorating paste), 30 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with details on the ice rink and a post to X by first lady Jill Biden.
