Public tours of the White House have recommenced just in time for the Christmas season, but visitors are discovering a significantly altered experience due to extensive renovations. The changes stem directly from President Donald Trump's decision to demolish the East Wing to construct a large new ballroom.
A Transformed Visitor Experience
The resumption of self-guided tours on Tuesday, 3 December 2025, follows a suspension that began in September to accommodate the construction work. The most notable change for tourists is a new entry point, as the previous access via the East Wing is no longer available. Furthermore, the tour itself is now considerably shorter.
This is because the route has been limited to the State Floor only, encompassing the East Room, the Green, Blue, and Red Rooms, the State Dining Room, the Cross Hall, and the Grand Foyer. Rooms on the ground floor below, such as the China Room and the Vermeil Room, are currently off-limits to the public. Some spaces are being used as temporary offices for staff displaced by the East Wing's demolition.
Christmas Cheer Amidst Construction Noise
Despite the ongoing building work, many visitors expressed delight at seeing the executive mansion adorned in its festive best. First Lady Melania Trump oversaw the Christmas decorations, which this year feature a poignant display in the Red Room: more than 10,000 blue butterflies.
This installation is a symbol of transformation, celebrating the young people supported by the First Lady's Fostering the Future initiative, part of her Be Best campaign. For visitor Susan Bare from Kannapolis, North Carolina, the butterflies held personal significance, reminding her of her late son who had planted a butterfly bush.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Reactions to the shortened tour were mixed among those who attended on Wednesday. Amiah Henry, a student from Louisiana, noted the tour was "significantly longer last year" and expressed disappointment at missing the East Wing, which was her favourite part. The noise of construction in the distance underscored the ongoing changes.
However, other tourists focused on the positive. Kevin Heins, a retired law enforcement and military veteran from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, believed the new ballroom would ultimately add value. "I think in the long run, with the extension of the ballroom, it's going to be a good thing," he said, suggesting it would improve event hosting capabilities at the national landmark.
The White House tours will continue through the festive period, offering a unique, if condensed, glimpse into the historic building during a season of transformation both inside and out.
