20 photos that show how the White House and the royal family decorate for the holidays

Talia LakritzDec 18, 2021, 00:05 IST

Christmas trees at the White House (left) and Windsor Castle.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images ; Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The White House in Washington, DC, and Windsor Castle in the UK are decked out for the holidays.
The White House's decor theme "Gifts from the Heart" honors frontline workers and past presidents.

The theme of this year's White House Christmas decorations, chosen by first lady Dr. Jill Biden, is "Gifts from the Heart."

The East Wing entrance of the White House.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden wrote that "Gifts from the Heart" such as faith, family, friendship, and unity "tie together the heart strings of our lives."

A Marine White House military social aide stands at attention in a hallway of the White House.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden wrote that "Gifts from the Heart" such as faith, family, friendship, and unity "tie together the heart strings of our lives."

Over 6,000 feet of ribbon, 300 candles, 10,000 ornaments, and 78,750 holiday lights were used to decorate the White House.

A Christmas tree in the Red Room of the White House.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

The official White House Christmas tree is on display in the Blue Room.

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

In the East Colonnade, glowing stars and dove cutouts hang amid blue window decorations.

Decorations in the East Colonnade.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

The East Landing's Gold Star Tree honors fallen members of the US military.

The Gold Star Tree honoring fallen members of the US military in the East Landing of the White House.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

In the China Room, wreaths comprised of interlocking hands hang on dining chairs.

The China Room decorated for Christmas.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Christmas trees in the State Dining Room feature photos of the Bidens, as well as past presidential families.

Christmas trees in the State Dining Room.Evan Vucci/AP

The main attraction in the State Dining Room is the official 2021 Gingerbread White House, created by White House pastry chef Susan Morrison.

Gingerbread houses on display.Evan Vucci/AP

On the other side of the State Dining Room, stockings hang from the mantle in between two large Christmas trees.

Christmas trees in the State Dining Room.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

The Grand Foyer and the Cross Hall decorations center around the "Gift of Faith and Community."

The Cross Hall of the White House.Evan Vucci/AP

Windsor Castle, the royal family's residence in Windsor, England, is also decked out for the holidays.

Windsor Castle visible from a street decorated for Christmas in Windsor, UK.Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

Each year, members of The Royal Collection Trust decorate the castle for Christmas.

A member of the Royal Collection Trust staff puts the finishing touches to a Christmas tree.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In the Crimson Drawing Room, a 15-foot Christmas tree glimmers with red ornaments to match the red curtains, carpet, and furniture.

The Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

In St George's Hall, a 20-foot Christmas tree makes for an impressive holiday display.

Members of the Royal Collection Trust put the finishing touches on a Christmas tree in St George's Hall.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

Members of the Royal Collection Trust covered the tree in hundreds of lights as well as glass and mirrored ornaments.

A member of the Royal Collection Trust staff puts the finishing touches on a Christmas tree in St George's Hall.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

They topped the tree with a traditional angel figure.

An angel on top of a Christmas tree at St. George's Hall.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

This year, the castle also features a display of costumes from Christmas pantomimes that Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret performed as teenagers.

Royal Collection Trust Creator Caroline de Guitaut puts the finishing touches to the Royal Collection's The Princesses' Pantomimes costume display.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

The Princesses' Pantomimes exhibit includes costumes from two shows, "Aladdin" and "Old Mother Red Riding Boots."

Costumes worn by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in wartime pantomimes.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The display also features pictures of fairy-tale characters that served as decorative set pieces.

The Royal Collection's The Princesses' Pantomimes costume display.Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

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20 photos that show how the White House and the royal family decorate for the holidays

The theme of this year's White House Christmas decorations, chosen by first lady Dr. Jill Biden, is "Gifts from the Heart."

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden wrote that "Gifts from the Heart" such as faith, family, friendship, and unity "tie together the heart strings of our lives."

Over 6,000 feet of ribbon, 300 candles, 10,000 ornaments, and 78,750 holiday lights were used to decorate the White House.

The official White House Christmas tree is on display in the Blue Room.

In the East Colonnade, glowing stars and dove cutouts hang amid blue window decorations.

The East Landing's Gold Star Tree honors fallen members of the US military.

In the China Room, wreaths comprised of interlocking hands hang on dining chairs.

Christmas trees in the State Dining Room feature photos of the Bidens, as well as past presidential families.

The main attraction in the State Dining Room is the official 2021 Gingerbread White House, created by White House pastry chef Susan Morrison.

On the other side of the State Dining Room, stockings hang from the mantle in between two large Christmas trees.

The Grand Foyer and the Cross Hall decorations center around the "Gift of Faith and Community."

Windsor Castle, the royal family's residence in Windsor, England, is also decked out for the holidays.

Each year, members of The Royal Collection Trust decorate the castle for Christmas.

In the Crimson Drawing Room, a 15-foot Christmas tree glimmers with red ornaments to match the red curtains, carpet, and furniture.

In St George's Hall, a 20-foot Christmas tree makes for an impressive holiday display.

Members of the Royal Collection Trust covered the tree in hundreds of lights as well as glass and mirrored ornaments.

They topped the tree with a traditional angel figure.

This year, the castle also features a display of costumes from Christmas pantomimes that Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret performed as teenagers.

The Princesses' Pantomimes exhibit includes costumes from two shows, "Aladdin" and "Old Mother Red Riding Boots."

The display also features pictures of fairy-tale characters that served as decorative set pieces.