WATCH: The History of White House Holiday Traditions
Tonight, the White House Historical Association’s Matthew Costello joins FLARE to talk about the holidays at the White House.
The First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) presents the virtual program “The History of White House Holiday Traditions” with Matthew Costello, chief education officer for the White House Historical Association, at 7 p.m. ET on Monday.
The program, which can be viewed on FLARE’s Facebook and YouTube channels, will highlight the history of different holidays and their accompanying traditions at the White House. The discussion will include celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Day receptions and how first families, White House staff, and guests have participated in these seasonal activities.
The event is free and open to the public. Costello oversees the Association’s education programs, historical research, digital archives, public programming, and partnerships.
Dec. 9, 2025
Candlelight Evening: Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights
The Yorba Linda, California-based Richard Nixon Library & Museum presents an evening where patriotic pride meets holiday cheer at “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights!” Celebrate the season with festive performances, sparkling red, white, and blue décor, and dazzling Christmas lights that shine as brightly as the American spirit.
The event steps off at 5 p.m. PST for the ceremonial tree lighting. Make lasting holiday memories by taking a photo with Santa, visiting his reindeer, and joining a joyful celebration filled with seasonal music and patriotic sparkle. Sip hot cocoa as you stroll the Library’s gardens by candlelight and savor Back-Burner Soup from Polly’s Pies. Read more
Dec. 11, 2025
Holidays in the White House with Janet Weir Creighton
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a special holiday edition of Third Thursday featuring Janet Weir Creighton, a seasoned public official and National First Ladies Library & Museum board member. Join her for an enchanting presentation on Christmas in the White House—a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the planning, preparation, and magic that bring the holidays alive inside the Executive Mansion. With a rich background spanning local government in Stark County to federal service in Washington, D.C., Creighton brings a unique perspective on leadership and tradition. Read more
Dec. 11, 2025
Tudor Lights: Christmas at Tudor Place
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to Tudor Place in Washington, D.C., where decorations and installations that set a festive tone offer a unique glimpse at collection items with a special holiday twist. The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST. Wander through the garden, illuminated with holiday lights, creating a magical evening atmosphere. Conclude your evening with cocktails and seasonal refreshments. Read more
Dec. 12, 2025
Mount Vernon By Candlelight
George Washington’s Mount Vernon presents in-person, candlelit guided tours and presentations about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Learn about the build-up to the American Revolution as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the year 1775. The first and second floors of George Washington’s Mansion will be open during this event. Tours run from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 12 - Dec. 13; Dec. 19, Dec. 22 - Dec. 23. Read more
Dec. 12, 2025
Legacy Lecture: From Grief to Grace
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual discussion about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who is often remembered as first lady and a symbol of national grief. But her life after the White House reveals a remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and influence. Join historian Karen Dunak for this insightful Legacy Lecture that explores Mrs. Onassis’ later years as a twice-widowed woman who forged a successful career in publishing and became a passionate advocate for historic preservation and cultural heritage. Learn how she balanced public scrutiny, family responsibilities, and personal ambition to quietly reclaim her story and legacy. Dunak is Professor and Arthur G. and Eloise Cole Chair of American History at Muskingum University and author of Our Jackie: Public Claims on a Private Life (NYU Press, 2024). This program is entirely virtual. All attendees will receive a recording of the event within 48 hours of the event. Read more
Dec. 13, 2025
Tudor Place Holiday Tea & Tour
Celebrate the season at Tudor Place’s annual holiday tea and tour program from 2 to 4 p.m. EST on Dec. 13, 2025. Enjoy seasonal tea selections, mini-desserts, scones and tea sandwiches in the historic Dower House followed by a guided tour of Tudor Place in Washington, D.C., focusing on the holiday installation. Read more
Dec. 13, 2025
Tudor Place Candlelight Tours
Tudor Place in Washington, D.C., presents Candlelight Tours beginning at 5:30 p.m. EST this holiday season. This program provides an opportunity to tour the holiday installation after hours and see Tudor Place as generations before did once the sun set. Guests are welcome to enjoy hot cider and cookies before or after their tour, as well as take home a seasonal art activity to extend their experience. Read more
Dec. 18, 2025
Holiday Lunch & Tour at the Reagan Library
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum presents an in-person Holiday Lunch & Tour on Dec. 18, 2025. The afternoon will feature a gourmet holiday meal specially crafted by its Presidential Chef followed by a delectable dessert. Also featured will be a performance of The Nutcracker by Dance Creations. After lunch, guests are invited to explore the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, the Air Force One Pavilion, and our enchanting An American Christmas exhibit. Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. PST. Read more
Dec. 22, 2025
Cooking with the First Ladies: Lou Hoover
The National First Ladies Library presents Sarah Morgan, a passionate history lover who brings the stories of America’s First Ladies to life through food, in a virtual program from 7 to 8 p.m. EST on Dec. 22 exploring recipes inspired by First Lady Lou Hoover. Morgan blends historical insights with delicious dishes attendees can prepare at home.
Sarah launched the Cooking with the First Ladies Instagram in 2019 and has been creating engaging virtual programs that combine history and cooking for the National First Ladies Library ever since. Read more