After a prolonged hiatus, the White House is set to reopen its doors to visitors this winter — just in time for a holiday spectacle curated by the First Lady herself.
Public tours of the “People’s House” will officially resume on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, following an extended suspension due to construction of President Trump’s new ballroom, the White House announced this week. The timing means early visitors will be treated to a bonus: the chance to experience the White House Christmas decorations throughout the State Floor.
Holiday Homecoming
The December reopening will feature an updated tour route and special holiday decor “thoughtfully designed and curated under the direction of First Lady Melania Trump,” according to a White House statement. The administration has yet to reveal this year’s theme or specific details about the ballroom construction that necessitated the closure.
For Americans hoping to secure a spot, the process begins soon. Congressional offices can start submitting constituent tour requests on Monday, November 3, with December availabilities opening 30 days before each potential tour date, officials confirmed.
Planning a visit? Tours remain free and self-guided, but securing a spot requires advance work. All requests must be submitted through a Member of Congress or embassy between 21 and 90 days before your preferred date, as outlined by the White House Visitors Office.
What to Expect
The standard White House tour includes public rooms on the State Floor, including the iconic Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall, according to the National Park Service, which manages the White House visitor program alongside the U.S. Secret Service.
Tours typically operate Tuesday through Saturday, with hours varying by day. Tuesday through Thursday tours run from 7:30-11:30 a.m., while Friday and Saturday visits extend until 1:30 p.m., though schedules remain subject to change or cancellation due to weather or official events.
Who needs ID? All U.S. citizens ages 18 and older must present valid, government-issued photo identification upon arrival. Foreign nationals of all ages — even children — must do the same, as noted in visitor guidelines.
The reopening marks a return to tradition after what some tourism officials have privately described as a frustratingly long closure. The White House typically welcomes thousands of visitors each month when tours are operational.
“The White House will reopen its doors for public tours with an updated route offering guests the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of the People’s House,” the administration explained in its announcement.
For those lucky enough to secure December slots, the holiday decorations may provide the most memorable moments — a silver lining to the extended closure that kept the public at bay while construction crews transformed parts of the historic building.
