Getting picked to decorate the White House for the holidays is a very prestigious honor. Decorators usually have to have a long list of qualifications and connections. In order to have a chance of being selected, you must first have a connection to the administration (or a friend/colleague who works in the administration) as well as a strong portfolio of previous decorating work.
You would also need to submit a detailed proposal of your decorating plan as well as provide a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with the decorations.
Additionally, the White House has a specific criteria for who they choose each year. They select someone who has experience in the field, someone who has provided a unique vision, and someone who will support the values and mission of the administration.
Once the decorator is chosen, they will work closely with the White House’s staff, as well as the First Lady, to plan and execute the holiday decorations. The decorator is also responsible for sourcing materials, setting up the decorations, and overseeing the entire installation process.
Really, being selected to decorate the White House is an incredible honor. It requires hard work and dedication in order to even be considered for the position, and those that are chosen have the opportunity to help create truly special holiday memories for the entire nation.
Can the public see the White House Christmas decorations?
Yes, the public can see the White House Christmas decorations. Every year since 1961, the White House has opened its doors to the public to see the holiday decorations. The decorations usually span the entire White House, covering every room and hallway inside.
Traditionally, every Christmas season the White House puts up a fancy tree, wreaths, and other decorations. This year, the White House’s official theme is “America the Beautiful. ” This involves putting up decorations reflecting different parts of America, such as state flowers, butterflies, and some classic American-style craftsmanship.
Events such as the “White House Christmas Open House” allow select visitors to come and tour the White House and see the beautiful decorations. If you want to visit, you can typically book a tour online or through your local congressman’s office.
Unfortunately, it is still important to note that due to the current pandemic, the White House has announced that it will not be hosting holiday events this year. However, the White House still plans to put up amazing decorations for visitors to enjoy, both in person and online.
How much does it cost to light the White House Christmas tree?
The cost of lighting the White House Christmas tree is hard to determine because there are so many variables involved. From the tree itself, which is usually donated, to the lighting and decorations, the total cost can vary widely.
Generally speaking, the National Park Service, which is responsible for the White House grounds and events, estimated the cost of lighting the tree at around $250,000 in 2018. This number is the total cost of buying and installing the decorations and lighting, including labor costs.
Additionally, the cost of powering the display can vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so the total cost can increase or decrease accordingly.
Does the first lady decorate the White House?
Yes, the first lady typically decorates the White House in her own style. While the White House chief usher oversees the staff responsible for the daily maintenance, operations, and upkeep of the building, it is usually the first lady who takes responsibility for decorating the home of the President.
First ladies traditionally implement their own ideas, preferences, and artwork while refurbishing the interior design and furnishings of the White House. Moreover, they select and maintain the state china collection, artwork, holiday decorations, and other decorations.
Over the years, first ladies such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama have put their own spin on the White House’s décor to set the tone for their time in office.
What happens to the White House gingerbread house after Christmas?
After the Christmas season ends, the White House gingerbread house is typically disassembled and stored away until the next season. The White House pastry team works hard to create the edible masterpiece each year, so it is important for them to keep it safe and intact for the following holiday season.
As such, the gingerbread house is carefully taken apart and the individual pieces are placed into storage. The precise details of the storeroom setup remain closely guarded by the pastry team, so little is known about the precise conditions in which the gingerbread house is placed in during storage.
Nevertheless, it is likely that the components are kept together in a secure and safe location to ensure nothing is damaged or ruined while the gingerbread house is not on display.
Where can I watch the White House Christmas special?
The White House Christmas special is not aired on television and it is not available to stream online. However, The White House website does post holiday videos, photos, and an interactive tour with narration.
You can view this holiday content on the White House Christmas website. Additionally, cached and archived videos of holiday visits to the White House throughout the years can be viewed on YouTube and other video streaming sites.
Is there a TV special about White House Christmas?
Yes, there is a TV special about White House Christmas. Every December, the White House decorates the residence to celebrate the holiday season. The decorations have become iconic and have been featured in the popular media.
Each year, Hallmark Channel releases a special titled “Christmas at the White House” that showcases the decorations and the meaning behind them. The program also highlights the President, First Lady, and other esteemed guests who have a part in making the White House a festive place during the holidays.
The special is a reminder of how the White House has embraced the spirit of the season for countless generations.
What channel is Christmas at the White House on?
Christmas at the White House will be televised on the Hallmark Channel, with a two-hour special airing at 8 p. m. ET (7 p. m. CT) on December 10, 2020. This annual tradition of celebrating the holidays with the first family is truly a holiday treat! The broadcast will be hosted by media personalities Nancy O’Dell and Mark Steines, who will help viewers get into the spirit of the season with live interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of what it is like to plan the ultimate White House Christmas.
While in residence, the President and the First Lady will tour the elaborately decorated White House, including interviews with the volunteers who have worked around the clock to bring the stunning decorations to life.
Special Christmas moments between the first family and their guests will be shared as well, along with unique performances by some of today’s brightest singers, including Grammy Award-winning superstar Ricky Martin.
Viewers will also be treated to the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, a Washington D. C. staple that has been televised for more than five decades.
How long are Christmas lights up in NYC?
Christmas lights in NYC typically remain up until a few weeks after the holiday season is over. During the holidays, the city is covered in lights and decorations, making it a festive winter paradise.
Depending on how long the holiday season extends, this means that they could be up as early as mid-November and possibly until the end of January. Managers of major civic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center work hard to provide the best light show throughout the holiday season, but will rely on climate and weather conditions to determine when they can start taking the decorations down.
All in all, you can expect to see Christmas lights in New York City for at least a month or two.
Are visitors allowed to tour the White House?
Yes, visitors are allowed to tour the White House. It is open to the public, and tours are available to any U. S. citizen or foreign national. All visitors who wish to tour the White House must submit a tour request through one’s Member of Congress, and requests can be submitted up to three months in advance.
Tours of the White House are available from 7:30 a. m. to 11:30 a. m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. Fridays, and 7:30 a. m. to 11:00 a. m. Saturdays. It is strongly recommended that requests be submitted as early as possible due to the high volume of requests.
Additionally, the White House reserves the right to decline any request for a tour and hold additional security screenings. Only those with confirmed tour requests will be admitted on the day of the tour.
While a fee is not paid to tour the White House, federal taxes are applied to pay for the extensive staffing, maintenance and security required to keep the White House open for tours.
What is the name of the park just north of the White House?
The park just north of the White House is called Lafayette Square. Located in the current day Downtown Washington, DC, the park went through several name changes before earning its current title in 1824.
It was initially named President’s Park when it was established in 1819, followed by the official name of “The Public Ground” in 1820. It was further developed with its collection of statues and monuments, and ultimately identified as Lafayette Square in 1824, in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer and a hero of the Revolutionary War.
This park is home to the White House Visitors Center, and to the remains of many notable figures, such as Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom have been honored with statues. Additionally, the park is home to several other notable memorials, such as the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Albert Einstein Memorial.