By Christy Choi and Sam Fossum | CNN
Complete with 98 Christmas trees, 72 wreaths and 2.8 miles of ribbon, the White House has been transformed into a classic winter wonderland for the holidays.
Letters to Santa Claus appear to fly magically in and out of old mailboxes and a vintage train weaves around the base of an 18.5-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree, while all manner of candied treats deck the halls — including a huge gingerbread White House.
Unveiling the decorations Monday, first lady Jill Biden said this year’s theme, the “Magic, Wonder and Joy” of the holiday season, was inspired by “childlike marvel and awe.”
“Children are unbound by time and inherently know beauty: the rich, colorful mosaic of autumn leaves piled high on an emerald blanket of grass; the mesmerizing rhythm of soft, powdery snow as it falls from a glistening night sky,” said Biden as she welcomed National Guard and local military families to the White House as the first guests to experience the holiday décor.
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House on November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The North Portico is decorated with holiday wreaths during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The North Portico is decorated with holiday wreaths during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: First lady Jill Biden speaks about the holiday season and unveils the White House holiday decor while thanking volunteers who helped set it up, at the White House on November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The North Portico is decorated with holiday wreaths during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The North Portico is decorated with holiday wreaths during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A team of reindeer fly through the columns of the Entrance Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Ornaments are seen on the official Christmas tree, an 18-foot-tall Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, in the Blue Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Ornaments are seen on the official Christmas tree, an 18-foot-tall Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, in the Blue Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Center Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Center Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Center Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Center Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Entrance Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Blue Room at the base of the official White House Christmas Tree during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Blue Room at the base of the official White House Christmas Tree during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed decorations are seen in the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“The holidays offer a time for reflection and a break from our hurried lives, a season to be fully present with our friends and our families. It’s also a season of gratitude,” she added.
“Because, you know, children have something to teach us if we’re wise enough to listen: how to remain present, even as a busy world beckons us; how to open ourselves up to love and wonder and to marvel at every moment, no matter how ordinary; how to find beauty at a Metro stop.”
Each room, she said, is designed to capture children’s “pure, unfiltered delight and imagination.”
The decorations, which also included 33,892 ornaments and 142,425 holiday lights, were installed over a week, with the help of more than 300 volunteers.
The White House expects some 100,000 people to visit during the holiday season.
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Christmas trees are seen in the East Room looking towards the Cross Hall during the media preview for the 2023 Holidays at the White House in Washington, DC on November 27, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House holiday decorations is The “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the Holidays. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The Cross Hall between the East Room and the State Dining Room is lined with frosted Christmas tress during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The Cross Hall between the East Room and the State Dining Room is lined with frosted Christmas tress during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The Cross Hall between the East Room and the State Dining Room is lined with frosted Christmas tress during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Christmas trees are seen in the East Room looking towards the Cross Hall during the media preview for the 2023 Holidays at the White House in Washington, DC on November 27, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House holiday decorations is The “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the Holidays. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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The White House Christmas tree is seen in the Blue Room during the media preview for the 2023 Holidays at the White House in Washington, DC on November 27, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House holiday decorations is The “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the Holidays. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The White House Library is decorated to honor the tradition and magic of bedtime stories, including an image of Santa Claus flying past the moon, during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hang from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A decorated statue of the First Family’s cat, Willow, is displayed in the East Wing during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A decorated statue of the First Family’s dog, Commander, is displayed in the East Wing during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A gingerbread White House is displayed in the State Dining Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hang from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The China Room is decorated to become the “White House Sweet Shop” during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The China Room is decorated to become the “White House Sweet Shop” during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The Cross Hall between the East Room and the State Dining Room is lined with frosted Christmas tress during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A small forest of fresh green branches and Christmas ornaments are suspended from the ceiling of the East Portico of the White House during a media preview of the 2023 Holidays decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A present is seen at the East Portico of the White House during a media preview of the 2023 Holidays decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Candy-themed ornaments hand from the ceiling of the hallway between the East Wing and the Residence during a media preview of the holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The official portrait of President Barack Obama is seen alongside Christmas decorations in the Entrance Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: The official portrait of President Abraham Lincoln is seen alongside Christmas decorations in the State Dinning Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: A team of reindeer fly through the columns of the Entrance Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Entrance Hall during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the Red Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 27: Christmas decorations are seen in the East Room during a media preview of the 2023 holiday decorations at the White House November 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s White House decorations is “Magic, Wonder and Joy,” and is designed to capture the “delight and imagination of childhood.” The White House expects to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors during the holiday season. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Earlier this year, the White House Historical Association unveiled the design of this year’s official Christmas ornament — a holiday wreath adorned with cherubs, dolls, doves, stars, flowers, gingerbread men and more — that was inspired by handcrafted decorations used during the administration of America’s 38th president, Gerald Ford.
Previous years’ ornaments have included a fire truck, a steam train and even a helicopter. The decorations are not only meant to brighten people’s homes but are also intended to shine a light on lesser-known stories from America’s past.
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