2023 Cross Hall Holiday Decorations, Biden Administration

This photograph of the Cross Hall was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. The doorway to the Green Room is at right along with seasonal foliage like poinsettias, amaryllises, and snow-flecked garlands. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 200th anniversary of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas influenced the decorations in the Cross Hall and the adjoining Entrance Hall. Throughout the space, including in the niches along the Cross Hall’s south wall and a soaring Santa Claus and sleigh above the Entrance Hall, were scenes from the famous holiday tale. Also in the Cross Hall was the menorah from the White House Collection. The menorah was crafted by the skilled White House carpenters using wood recovered during the Harry S. Truman renovation in the 1950s.