Melania Trump's Christmas decorations return to the White House, and she's asking for help

As Christmas approaches, Melania Trump is already setting the stage for her first White House holiday season since returning as First Lady, and she’s looking for help. On Monday, the White House officially opened applications for volunteers interested in decorating or performing during the 2025 Christmas celebrations.

While the summer heat is still in full effect in Washington, D.C., the First Lady is embracing tradition by inviting Americans from across the nation to contribute to this year’s festivities. Volunteers must be ready to travel to D.C. and be available between November 24 and November 30, when decorating will take place.

© Chip Somodevilla

Despite her formal embrace of the season, Melania’s history with holiday décor has drawn plenty of attention, some of it critical. In 2017, she unveiled stark, white branch-filled corridors, prompting comparisons to a wintry forest. Her 2018 display of bold red trees, intended to symbolize American patriotism, received mixed reactions.

© Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

By 2019 and 2020, she shifted to more conventional styles. Donald Trump has long defended her artistic choices. “She would make the most beautiful Christmas decorations,” he told a crowd in 2021 at First Baptist Church in Dallas. “And I remember she made these magnificent red trees, and the media said, ‘Oh, that’s terrible.’ I said, ‘Honey, next time, try white.’”

He continued, “She made magnificent, remember, the most beautiful you’ve ever seen, white trees? And they said, ‘Oh, that’s terrible.’ I said the next time, let’s do it more traditional. Let’s go with green. We went with beautiful green trees, and they said: ‘Why wouldn’t you make them white like they used to be?’”

© SAUL LOEB

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and each person must apply individually as group submissions won’t be accepted. Travel and lodging expenses are not covered by the White House. The deadline to apply is September 5 at 5:00 PM ET, with selected volunteers notified by October 13.

© HUM Images

Musical performers are also encouraged to apply. The First Lady’s team is looking for school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers to perform during the White House’s December open houses. All applicants are required to submit an audition video, either a cappella or with acoustic accompaniment.

© SAUL LOEB

“Christmas planning is underway at the White House, and President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are excited to continue the cherished tradition of welcoming volunteers to help celebrate the holiday season at the People’s House,” read Monday’s White House press release.