White House Public Events

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The Christmas decorations in the White House may be viewed Tuesday through Saturday, on December 4th - 27th.

Although not administered by the White House, we are pleased to publicize the annual month-long Pageant of Peace, which begins on Thursday, December 4, with the lighting of the National Christmas tree by President Clinton, on the Ellipse, just south of the White House. T he national tree, as well as the state and territory trees, remain on the Ellipse until January 2. Musical programs are offered each evening at 6 p.m. from December 5 to 30, except December 24 and 25. Detailed information is available from the National Park Service at (202) 208-1631.

Special Christmas tours for groups of senior citizens traveling by bus are scheduled, by reservation only, in the afternoon and evening on Thursday, December 11. Decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservation requests should include the name of the group, number of people, contact person who will be with the group, and the address, phone, and fax numbers of the contact person. Mail requests to: Senior Tours, Visitors Office, White House, Washington DC, 20502.

Christmas tours for groups of people in wheelchairs or with other mobility disabilities are available, also by reservation only, in the early afternoon on Monday, December 15. Reservation requests should include the name of the group, number of people, contact person who will be with the group, and the address, phone, and fax numbers of the contact person. Mail requests to: Disabled Tours, Visitors Office, White House, Washington DC, 20502. For each of these tours, the driver must remain with the vehicle and cannot also serve as an escort or attendant.

The annual Candlelight tours of the White House are scheduled on three evenings after Christmas, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, December 26, 27, and 29, from 5 until 7 p.m. Advance tickets are not used, nor are group reservations accepted. The line begins at the southeast gate. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. is admitted. Please note that the Candlelight tours are identical to and in addition to the regular self-guided tours scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12 noon every Tuesday through Saturday. The Candlelight tours are often very crowded, the wait may be long, and the weather will probably be cold, so please dress appropriately.

The annual Fall Garden and House Tour is Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, 1997. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 12 noon and 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 1 until 5 p.m. Visitors are admitted if in line by the ending times indicated. No tickets are required, nor are group reservations accepted. The line forms at the southeast gate, located at E Street and East Executive Avenue.

Visitors view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, South Lawn, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, and the State Floor rooms of the White House. Military bands entertain on the lawn. Photographs are permitted on the grounds, but not in the Rose Garden nor inside the White House. In case of inclement weather, the garden portion is canceled but self-guided tours of the house continue.

On Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11, the White House is open for self-guided tours from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets or reservations are used.

On Thursday, November 27, the White House is closed to observe Thanksgiving. No tours are available.

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll is Monday, March 31, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a public event, and advanced reservations are not possible. In case of severe weather, the event is canceled and not rescheduled.

Children ages three through six, accompanied by at least one adult, are admitted to the south lawn for the egg roll. To reduce the hours spent waiting in line, free, timed tickets are distributed from the National Park Service Visitor Pavilion at the southwest corner of 15th and E Streets. Every person, even the smallest child, requires a ticket to enter the south lawn. Ticket distribution begins about 7 a.m. and continues until all tickets are issued. One person may receive up to four tickets. You should expect to wait in line for tickets and to enter the lawn. Once guests receive a timed ticket, they can wander the Ellipse to enjoy activities there until the time on the ticket. Lawn chairs, coolers, or chewing gum are not permitted on the White House south lawn.

The Easter celebration on the Ellipse, the park area south of the White House, features activities and entertainment for all ages. No tickets are needed for the Ellipse activities, which include musical entertainment, food giveaways, story telling, and other fun things to do.

The annual Spring Garden and House Tour is Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 1997. This is a change from previously announced dates. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 12 noon and again from 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 1 until 5 p.m. Visitors are admitted if in line by the ending times indicated. No tickets are required, nor are group reservations accepted. The line forms at the southeast gate, located at E Street and East Executive Avenue.

On Independence Day, Friday, July 4, the White House is open for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets or reservations are used.

Public Event Descriptions