First lady Melania Trump is kicking off this year's White House Christmas season by opening applications for volunteers and performers, continuing the tradition of giving Americans the chance to help decorate the executive mansion and entertain visitors during the holidays.

With Christmas less than five months away, President Donald Trump and the first lady have begun preparations and “are excited to continue the cherished tradition of welcoming volunteers to help celebrate the holiday season at the People’s House,” the White House said Monday.

The White House is specifically looking for volunteers to assist with decorations, as well as musical groups ranging from choirs to school bands and holiday-themed entertainers to perform at holiday open houses. Applicants must be 18 or older, a United States citizen and must pay for all accommodations and personal and travel expenses.

Last year, 150 volunteer decorators aged 19-76 from 50 states and two territories traveled to Washington, D.C. to help make the festivities come to life. 

Participants came from an extensive range of backgrounds and professions, and included business owners, florists, interior designers, jazz ensembles, teachers, youth choirs and much more.

One of last year's volunteers, Ohio interior designer Kate Ruge, told WLWT5 News in December 2025 that during the experience, she "got to pull the ribbons and the ornaments, and some of the decorations for the Oval Office and the Grand Foyer and just some of these rooms that you only see on TV."

She found herself "gravitating towards all the little details that are in the White House, and the history of it all and the decor, the wallpaper," Ruge continued. "I mean, everything is so intricate and intentional."

According to the decorator's application, volunteers should expect to be available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for their shifts, which are split up into select days during the decorating week, which is planned for Nov. 23–29, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day.

While applicants can select a shift preference, placement isn't promised. Options include Nov. 23-25 (which the application notes will take place at an off-site location), Nov. 27-29 or the entire week.

Volunteer decorator duties will include physical activity such as heavy lifting, standing for long periods and working on ladders.

Both volunteer decorators and performer applicants will have to submit personal information to allow for a background investigation before they're fully accepted.

Both forms close at 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 28, and those selected will be notified by Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. Applicants can reach volunteers@who.eop.gov for more information.

Katherine Pugh is a reporter for Just the News. Follow her on X for more coverage.