Mrs. Bush selected A Season of Merriment and Melody as the White House holiday theme in 2004, weaving holiday music and traditional Christmas carols throughout the White House decor.
This year, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum brings this celebration back to life in our special exhibit, A Season of Merriment and Melody: Christmas at the White House 2004.
THE JOY OF HOLIDAY MUSIC
In preparation for the 2004 holiday tours, White House residence staff designed and crafted vignettes depicting classic holiday songs, including “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Jingle Bells.” The vignettes were displayed on mantels and pier tables throughout the White House, alongside more than 41 flocked trees that created a winter wonderland on the State Floor.
Today, 12 of these vignettes are back on display in the special exhibit, presented in much the same order White House guests would have experienced.
WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE
Each year, the Blue Room Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of White House holiday décor. The Bush Center’s 18-foot re-creation of the White House Christmas tree is adorned this year with more than 350 miniature musical instruments, hand-painted by members of the Society of Decorative Painters. The ornaments displayed in the special exhibit are a selection of those that originally graced the Noble fir on the White House state floor in 2004.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Join the Bush Center for festive events all season long!
“Deck the Halls” Black Friday Event
Friday, November 25
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Free with Museum Admission
Join us for after-hours family fun, complete with hot cocoa in the Courtyard Cafe and photos with Santa Claus in the Oval Office.
Musical Performance in Freedom Hall
Friday, December 9
10 a.m.
Free
Imba Means Sing: An Evening with the African Children’s Choir
Tuesday, December 13
6:30 p.m.
Price: $30 Members; $45 Public
Experience the wonder of song and spirit as the African Children’s Choir wrap up their year-long tour of the United States, entertaining and enchanting audiences across the country. Tickets for this Engage event include admission to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, including the special holiday exhibit.
Musical Performance in Freedom Hall
Friday, December 16
4:00 p.m.
Free
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