Melania Trump Opens Call for White House Christmas Volunteers

First Lady Melania Trump announced that the White House is accepting applications from U.S. citizens aged 18 or older to serve as volunteer decorators and performers for the 2026 Christmas season. Applicants must cover their own travel and accommodation costs and will be subject to background checks. The volunteer period is scheduled for November 23‑29, with shifts running from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes duties such as heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and working on ladders. The deadline to apply is August 28, 2026.

Last year, 150 volunteers from all 50 states and two territories helped decorate the Oval Office, Grand Foyer and other rooms, drawing participants from a wide range of professions. The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors during the holiday open houses, continuing a tradition that the Trump administration described as “cherished.”