Star-spangled trees accented with red and blue garland bring the red, white and blue spirit to the largest room in the White House. The East Room is the site of many historical events from bill-signing ceremonies to weddings. Memorable holiday gatherings have been held here, including one in which children visiting President Andrew Jackson engaged in a spontaneous "snowball" fight with cotton balls!

A beautiful crèche of terra cotta and carved wood figurines is displayed on the east wall. This treasured 18th-century Italian nativity scene, given to the White House by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr., has been on display in the East Room every Christmas season since 1967.

The famous portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart was rescued by Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, just before the British set fire to the White House in 1814.

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