First Lady Melania Trump has officially launched the holiday season at the White House, revealing the 2025 Halloween decorations on Tuesday, October 28. The display marks her first full holiday season at the People’s House since 2020.
Sharing a glimpse of the setup on X (formerly Twitter), her office wrote, “The @whitehouse is getting ready for Halloween,” alongside a photo showing the decorations in progress. This year’s display favors a cozy autumnal theme rather than spooky motifs.
Pumpkins line the staircases, while colorful leaves cascade gracefully between the South Portico’s columns, creating a harvest-inspired atmosphere for young guests attending the annual trick-or-treat event on October 30.
This approach contrasts with some of Melania’s past designs. Her 2019 display included spindly trees and orange lighting for a spookier ambiance, while the socially distanced 2020 Halloween leaned into rustic autumn tones with a wider variety of decorations.
The simplicity of 2025’s display may reflect a fresh start for the First Lady during her husband’s second term. After a four-year break from official White House holiday events, sources told People in late 2024 that Melania planned to revive traditions on her own terms.
“Melania will do what she is asked as first lady but under her own terms, and that includes decorating the White House for the Christmas holidays,” a Palm Beach source explained. “She will set her own schedule, make her own rules, and use her own taste.”
Even amid ongoing controversy surrounding White House renovations, Halloween celebrations are moving forward. Despite the government shutdown, Melania and President Donald Trump will host the traditional event on the South Lawn, welcoming invited guests such as military families, law enforcement officers and their children, and foster and adoptive families.
The evening will feature live music from the United States Air Force Strolling Strings, toy mail trucks provided by the Postal Service, a BE BEST postcard station for kids, and a giant pumpkin photo backdrop.
A spokesperson for Melania’s office told HELLO!, “The first lady and her staff look forward to the holiday season and continuing the many wonderful traditions of the White House, starting with Halloween at the White House.”
Melania is not involved in all aspects of her husband’s renovation plans. Recent reports indicate she privately raised concerns about demolishing the East Wing for a new multimillion-dollar ballroom, telling associates it was not her project, according to administration officials.