The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum presents Christmas at the White House; a very special temporary exhibit that opened November 25 and runs through January 8, 2006.

A dozen Christmas trees are adorned in 19th and 20th century dressings, recalling individual American presidents and collectively tracing the evolution of the holiday as experienced at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Some of the trees are dressed with the original ornaments used in the White House.

In addition to the trees, a splendid collection of White House and presidential Christmas memorabilia are also displayed. These objects, some of them nearly 200 years old, come from the renowned collection of author Mary Evans Seeley. They include presidential Christmas cards, messages and gifts given by and to Presidents, First Ladies, children, and staff over the years.

How did Abraham Lincoln observe wartime Christmases in the White House? Who was the first president to light the National Christmas tree? What presidential family turned to Colonial Williamsburg for their holiday ornaments?

Christmas at the White House is our gift to the people of Illinois. Make it part of your family's holiday traditions. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, Wednesdays until 8:30 PM (closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day).