HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

Each year, the President and First Lady choose a distinctive theme that shapes White House holiday décor, cards, and menus—from "Home for the Holidays" to "All Creatures Great and Small". The White House staff invest countless hours in crafting ornaments, garlands, and large‑scale decorations that transform the iconic grounds and state floor. These displays delight thousands of visitors, from tour guests to attendees of holiday parties. At season’s end, the items are carefully packed for preservation by the National Archives and Records Administration.

At the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, a skilled exhibit team—guided by curator Amy Polley Hamilton—recreates past White House Christmases. Hand‑crafted figures accompany archival images, video clips, and Mrs. Bush’s holiday gowns in the annual Holidays at the Bush Center exhibit.

This year’s highlight, A Season of Merriment and Melody: Christmas at the White House 2004, showcases the joyous carols that defined the 2004 celebration. Visitors can view pieces from that year's décor, including vignettes of favorite carols and a Blue Room tree adorned with over 350 miniature, hand‑painted instrument ornaments.

Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

Dawn Fecher, of the Society of Decorative Painters, joined the NARA museum team to unpack the Blue Room Christmas tree ornaments. Fecher painted one of the ornaments, originally displayed in 2004.

Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

Staff at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum decorate the Blue Room Christmas tree with more than 350 miniature, hand‑painted instrument ornaments.

Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

Café 43 and the Courtyard Café— the Bush Center's on‑site dining options—will offer special holiday cookies all season long. Their designs, including frosted ornaments, are reminiscent of those served at the White House during the 2004 holiday celebrations.

Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

A Season of Merriment and Melody: Christmas at the White House 2004 lets visitors experience first‑hand the excitement and magic of the 2004 White House holiday celebrations.

Travel Notes
  • -

    Ever wondered what holiday celebrations look like in the White House? The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum offers a unique chance to step into a White House Christmas. Each year the library stages a full‑scale holiday display for visitors to enjoy, running through January 7, 2018. The 2005 theme, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” highlighted nature’s beauty. The exhibit features lush flowers, vibrant murals, behind‑the‑scenes photos, and Mrs. Bush’s holiday dress, among other trea

  • -

    With 500,000 lights, daily activities, and holiday treats, the Dallas Arboretum delivers early‑season cheer for the entire family. Stroll through the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit Light‑filled gazebo displays recreate every scene from the classic carol, sure to spark holiday excitement. Visit any time of day or night—daily displays run until Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the illuminated nighttime show is available Wednesday through Sunday. Bring a cup of hot chocolate for the perfect family o

  • Exploring Baffin Island: Arctic Extremes and Spectacular Cliffs

    Baffin Island is an area that defines extremes. Earth’s fifth biggest island lies well within the Arctic Circle, ensuring it experiences 24-hour daylight over the summer, but suffers complete darkness during the winter months. It’s not unusual for temperatures to drop to -30°C, and that frigid cold is exacerbated by gale force winds and the consequent wind chill. The largest sea cliffs on Earth rise up out of the North East fiords for nearly two kilometres. Scientists have found rock on Baff