First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the official White House Christmas tree on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in an elegant winter ensemble that immediately captured public attention. The 55-year-old stepped out in a chic kimono-style eggshell coat paired with burgundy leather gloves, creating a striking holiday look just days before Thanksgiving.
The 25-foot tree, grown at Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan—approximately two and a half hours west of Detroit—arrived at the White House via horse and buggy in a traditional display of holiday pageantry. The tree had been selected through a nationwide contest and will be displayed in the White House Blue Room, continuing a cherished American tradition.
Dressed in Manolo Blahnik tartan heels that complemented her sophisticated winter outfit, the first lady walked up to the horse-drawn carriage to thank the driver personally. She briefly turned to the onlookers gathered for the occasion and shared her enthusiasm for the festive arrival.
“Beautiful,” she said with a beaming smile, before adding, “Merry Christmas,” and walking back toward the White House.
The kimono-style coat’s flowing silhouette provided an unexpected yet elegant choice for the ceremonial occasion, while the pop of color from her red gloves added warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. Fashion observers online praised the first lady’s sartorial selection, with many focusing particular attention on the burgundy gloves emerging from the eggshell coat’s sleeves.
Social media users quickly shared their appreciation for the look. One viewer on X wrote, “Well done as always by Melania.” Another observer commented, “She’s looking beautiful,” while a different user deemed her “elegant and stunning in winter white,” adding, “How totally charming.”
The tree reception marked the beginning of a week filled with holiday celebrations at the White House, with Thanksgiving scheduled for Thursday. The ceremonial welcome of the Christmas tree has been a White House tradition for decades, typically involving the first lady receiving the official tree that will serve as a centerpiece for the building’s holiday decorations.
President Donald Trump is set to continue holiday traditions on Tuesday with the annual turkey pardoning ceremony, where he will spare two turkeys from becoming part of anyone’s Thanksgiving dinner. These ceremonial events help establish the festive atmosphere in the nation’s capital as Americans prepare for the holiday season.
As first lady, Melania Trump holds responsibility for overseeing the White House decorations for Christmas. The executive residence will unveil its complete holiday makeover in the coming weeks, showcasing the first lady’s vision for transforming the historic building into a winter wonderland. This annual tradition allows each first lady to leave her mark on the White House’s seasonal appearance, with decorations typically extending throughout the public rooms and hallways.
The Michigan-grown tree represents months of careful cultivation by the Korson family at their farm in Sidney Township. Being selected to provide the official White House Christmas tree is considered a significant honor for tree farmers, recognizing their dedication to growing the perfect specimen. The selection process evaluates trees based on their shape, fullness, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Melania Trump’s fashion choices as first lady have consistently drawn attention, with her wardrobe selections often analyzed for their design, symbolism, and appropriateness for various occasions. Her preference for structured, tailored pieces and luxury designers has established a distinct aesthetic during her time in the White House. The kimono-style coat represents a departure from more traditional first lady attire while maintaining the elegance expected for official ceremonies.
The timing of the tree’s arrival, just days before Thanksgiving, allows the White House decorating team adequate preparation time to transform the residence before the peak of the holiday season. First ladies typically work with professional decorators and florists to develop a cohesive theme that carries throughout the White House public spaces, incorporating the official Christmas tree as a focal point.
The Blue Room, where the tree will be displayed, serves as one of three state parlors on the ground floor of the White House. Its oval shape and prominent location make it an ideal setting for the official Christmas tree, which visitors can view during special holiday tours. The room’s blue color scheme, from which it derives its name, typically influences the decorating palette chosen for the tree and surrounding decorations.
Monday’s tree reception showcased both the continuation of White House traditions and Melania Trump’s evolving role as first lady during her husband’s administration. Her warm interaction with onlookers and appreciation for the tree growers demonstrated the ceremonial aspects of the position while her fashion choices continued to generate public interest and discussion.
