First Lady Melania Trump Ushers in the Holidays with Grand Tree Arrival
On Monday, First Lady Melania Trump formally welcomed the official White House Christmas tree for the 2025 holiday season. The event, a cherished annual tradition, marks the beginning of the festive preparations at the presidential residence and signals the imminent unveiling of the much-anticipated holiday decor.
A Champion Tree's Grand Entrance
The star of the ceremony was a magnificent concolor fir, sourced from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan. Making a grand and picturesque arrival, the tree was transported in a distinctive green horse-drawn carriage. The carriage was driven by three men dressed in traditional top hats and pulled by two majestic Clydesdale horses, creating a scene straight out of a holiday postcard.
First Lady Melania Trump, dressed elegantly in a cream-coloured overcoat and dark red gloves, personally inspected the new arrival. She circled the carriage for official photographs and warmly shook hands with the driver and a woman who was accompanying the powerful horses. Expressing her admiration, she was quoted saying, "It's a beautiful tree."
Prestigious Pedigree and Presidential Selection
This year's tree holds a special distinction. Korson's Tree Farms earned the 2025 Grand Champion Growers title from the National Christmas Tree Association. This is a significant honour, as it marks the first time a farm from Michigan has won this prestigious award since 1985.
The selection of this particular tree was a carefully considered process. Back in September, Dale Haney, the White House superintendent of grounds, personally visited and handpicked the champion fir, ensuring it met the high standards for the Blue Room.
Preview of the Festive Season at the White House
The tree's arrival is a clear indicator that Melania Trump will soon reveal her 2025 holiday decoration theme for the White House. Her seasonal displays have historically drawn significant public and media attention, a trend that began during Donald Trump's first term in office.
Providing an early glimpse into her vision, the First Lady shared a brief video online in October, previewing a gold-themed display. The preview showcased elements like luxurious garlands and ornaments, hinting at a opulent and glittering aesthetic for this year's celebrations.
The tree will now be placed in the Blue Room, where it will serve as the centerpiece for the holidays. The public will get a chance to view the festive adornments when public tours of the State Floor resume in December. These popular tours had been paused for several months due to ongoing construction work within the White House.
