Washington, D.C. - The White House has unveiled its dazzling holiday display, capturing the magic and joy of the season with a theme of "Magic, Wonder, and Joy." First lady Jill Biden expressed the importance of awakening our senses during this festive time in her introduction to this year's Holidays at the White House booklet.

A dedicated crew of 300 volunteers, one of the highest numbers in recent history, worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life while the Bidens enjoyed Thanksgiving in Nantucket. The stunning display includes 98 Christmas trees adorned with 33,892 ornaments, 142,425 twinkling holiday lights, and 14,975 feet of ribbon embellishing the trees, mantels, and historic moldings.

Carlos Elizondo, the White House social secretary, revealed that there was a rush to complete everything before the Bidens' return. "We were scrambling a bit," he admitted. However, all the final touches were added, and the Bidens were delighted with the final result.

Visitors entering the White House from the East Wing are greeted with a spectacular display in the East Colonnade. This year, the hall is adorned with colorful depictions of holiday candies and confections, along with twinkling lights and candy cane columns, creating a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a child's holiday daydream.

Reading, a focal point for the first lady, takes center stage in many rooms. The Library features scenes celebrating the tradition of holiday bedtime stories, complete with a cozy brass bed where a cat resembling the Bidens' pet, Willow, snoozes on top. Surrounding the scene are stacks of children's books, with stars and moons hanging above.

The centerpiece of the display is an impressive 18½-foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, N.C., standing majestically in the Blue Room. A vintage passenger train circles the tree, paying homage to President Biden's nickname, "Amtrak Joe." The tree is adorned with ornaments representing all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, showcasing the diversity of home and neighborhood designs.

The official 2023 White House gingerbread house takes inspiration from the 200th anniversary of the publication of "A Visit From St. Nicholas" or "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." The impressive creation includes 40 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 40 sheets of gingerbread dough, 90 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing.

In the Cross Hall, an almost life-size reproduction of Santa's sleigh and reindeer hangs from the ceiling, adding a touch of whimsy to the holiday display. White House carpenters painstakingly created scaffolding to secure the sleigh's cables without drilling into the historic building.

The Red Room celebrates crafters and DIY holiday creations, with ornaments made by children of military and veteran families. These young artisans will have the opportunity to visit the White House and see their handiwork proudly displayed.

White House staffers anticipate welcoming approximately 100,000 visitors, including guests at around two dozen official holiday parties, to marvel at the magnificent decorations throughout the holiday season.

The White House's annual holiday decorations have become a cherished tradition, and this year's display continues to enchant visitors with its "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" theme. From the resplendent trees to the whimsical displays, every corner of the White House has been transformed into a wonderland, bringing joy and festive spirit to all who visit.

As the holiday season unfolds, let us revel in the enchantment and take a moment to embrace the true essence of the holidays - the warmth of family, the magic of lights, and the joy of giving.