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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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The White House has announced that its free public tours will reopen to visitors in December, allowing guests to walk through some of its iconic rooms and also see (in December only) the White House Christmas decorations, curated under the direction of first lady Melania Trump.
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Why It Matters
Public tours of the White House have been a longstanding American tradition, offering families, students, and history buffs a rare chance to see inside one of the nation's most significant historic buildings. The tours were initially suspended in August 2025, when construction started on President Donald Trump’s 90,000-square-foot, $300 million ballroom.
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What To Know
The Office of the First Lady announced that public tours will reopen to visitors starting Tuesday, December 2. The tour will feature an updated route which will take people through the symbolic “front door” of the White House, called the North Portico, instead of entering via the traditional East Wing entrance.
The White House has said that the tour will give the public access to the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall, and that Secret Service Officers will be on hand to answer questions about each room.
Previously accessible areas, like the East Colonnade and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, will remain off-limits due to the ongoing renovations, USA Today reported.
Throughout December, to celebrate the holiday season, the White House tour will also give people the chance to see Christmas decorations on the State Floor, which have been curated by Melania Trump.
To book a tour, members of the public should contact their Member of Congress seven to 90 days in advance, either through the United States Capitol Switchboard or online.
Tours usually run from Tuesday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (excluding public holidays).
What People Are Saying
In its official statement, the White House said: “President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are delighted to welcome you to tour the White House."
"Tour schedules may change at any time, with little notice, due to inclement weather or scheduling conflicts, even after your tour is confirmed.”
Another official statement, issued by the White House, said: “Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beloved annual tradition that transforms the White House into a festive reflection of the spirit, warmth, faith, and hope of the holiday season.”
What Happens Next
The White House confirmed that availability for January 2026 tours will be announced “sometime in December,” but members of the public are encouraged to contact their Member of Congress or visit the White House website for updates.
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