Here’s How You Can Be A White House Christmas Volunteer

Every year, during the months of November and December, the White House goes from tourist trap with outdated wallpaper to Holiday Extravaganza, and you can be a part of it.

If you’ve ever toured the White House around the holidays, you know that it is a full-force affair. It takes a lot to make happen–from designs to decorating to hosting tour groups and welcoming visitors. But that’s where you come in. 

If you’re feeling inspired, and you’re feeling lucky, you can apply to be a White House volunteer this holiday season. You’ll be the smiling (behind a mask) face that people see when they come to visit, or you’ll be the hands hanging ornaments and fluffing wreaths, but you’ll also be a part of history.

First, let’s go over some details about the timeline, the application process, and what to expect. 

This year, all applications are due by October 1st, 2020. That means get to it now! They get a lot of applications each year, but you’ll find out by October 15th if you’ve been accepted, which is a great turnaround. You must be 18 to apply and volunteer, and you have to apply individually. You can’t apply as a group. 

The application, which can be found here, asks for basic biographical information, your experience with decorating or volunteering, if you’ve been with the program before, etc. Please remember to actually fill this out if you want to be considered. Use the space provided to hype yourself up. This is a huge opportunity–something you’ll talk to your grand-kids about.

While the volunteer program does not require you to live in DC, it is likely they will prefer local volunteers this year due to pandemic travel restrictions and the like. However, you should still apply. Keep in mind though that this is a volunteer position–you will have to pay for your travel, your lodging,your food, etc. 

Check out this video of a Vermont woman who volunteered last year.

The dates they need volunteers range from around the week before Thanksgiving to the days before Christmas–and you’ll have the chance to share your availability. Obviously, they’re going to lean towards people who have more availability than people who can only volunteer one of the days. Keep that in mind when consulting your flexibility with work and school. 

So…are you ready to Elf Up and lend a hand this holiday season? Don’t miss the deadline–apply now!