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White House East Room decorated with Semiquincentennial in mind.

As the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this holiday season offers a moment to celebrate the present and look ahead to next year’s once-in-a-lifetime milestone. America250 has announced its plans to close out 2025 with a historic lineup of festive events, setting the stage for a remarkable year to come.

This year, America250 will partner with various organizations, including the White House, the National Parks Foundation and the White House Historical Association, to participate in longstanding holiday traditions in our nation’s capital. These initiatives reflect America250’s commitment to creating the largest, most inspiring and unifying commemoration in our nation’s history.

Christmas at the White House: America250 Featured in the East Room As part of this year’s White House Christmas decorations, America250 will be featured in the East Room, where the holiday theme honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. As the official national organization charged by Congress with planning America’s Semiquincentennial, this is the latest way America250 will reach Americans of all ages through meaningful experiences that uplift our shared history and inspire unity.

As part of the official 2025 White House Christmas decorative theme, “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” the East Room highlights “America, Our Home,” honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the ideals that have shaped the nation across generations. The decor incorporates the patriotic colors of the American flag and national symbols - including custom eagle toppers and tree boxes, the Great Seal, roses and oak leaves. Together, these elements offer visitors a moment to reflect on the contributions of all Americans and consider the future we are building together.

“We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year’s White House holiday celebration,” said Jennifer Condon, America250 executive vice president. “The theme ‘America, Our Home’ beautifully reflects the spirit of unity, hope and shared purpose that defines our nation. As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans – and to look ahead with excitement to the many ways we’ll come together to honor our past, celebrate our present and imagine our future.”

National Christmas Tree Lighting: Debuting the America250 Tree At the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 4, America250 was represented with a dedicated tree displayed in President’s Park – marking the first time an additional tree has been added beyond the traditional 58 trees representing U.S. states, territories, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The America250 tree features nearly two dozen ornaments designed by winners of America’s Field Trip, which invites students in grades 3-12 to share their perspectives on the question “What does America mean to you?” Their artwork highlights iconic landmarks, moments in history and uniquely American values, offering visitors a glimpse of the Semiquincentennial through the eyes of the next generation.

The America250 tree will return next year, giving a new class of America’s Field Trip winners the opportunity to design ornaments for the 2026 display. Students nationwide are encouraged to enter this year’s contest by March 30 for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime field trip and be featured on next year’s America250 tree. Enter the contest and find more info at .

By , American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at . Share your stories of involvement on.