WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 30, 2026. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed children and families to the White House on Thursday, October 29, for the annual Halloween celebration, transforming the presidential residence into a festive setting filled with pumpkins, autumn decorations, costumes and traditional trick-or-treat activities.
WHITE HOUSE TRANSFORMS FOR HALLOWEEN 2026
The South Lawn and entrance to the presidential residence featured seasonal decorations, including pumpkins, vines and a harvest-moon display. The festivities created a colorful backdrop as families arrived to participate in one of the White House’s longstanding holiday traditions.
Video from the celebration showed President Trump and Melania greeting young visitors in costume, posing for photographs and handing out candy. Children dressed as soldiers, police officers, fictional characters and race car drivers lined up to meet the presidential couple.
TRUMP AND MELANIA WELCOME FAMILIES
The event brought together military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and children of administration officials. According to the Office of the First Lady, the celebration was organized to offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy Halloween activities at the presidential residence.
Trump and Melania distributed commemorative candy while interacting with children and their parents. The president also signed autographs for several young visitors, including children dressed as race car drivers.
AIR FORCE ONE ADDS AN UNEXPECTED MOMENT
One of the evening’s most notable moments came when Air Force One flew over the White House during the festivities. The presidential aircraft passed above the grounds as Trump, Melania and guests looked toward the sky.
The flyover added a distinctive presidential element to the Halloween celebration, with photographs and video capturing the aircraft above the Washington skyline.
MUSIC, COSTUMES AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings provided musical entertainment, performing seasonal selections as families moved through the grounds.
Several federal agencies and organizations participated in the celebration. Activities included pumpkin displays, educational materials, children’s science kits and seasonal treats.
The White House had announced that the event would take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 29, with thousands of invited visitors expected to attend.
A LONGSTANDING WHITE HOUSE TRADITION
Halloween celebrations at the White House have become an established opportunity for presidents and first ladies to welcome families into the presidential residence in a setting centered on seasonal traditions.
This year’s event took place just days before the November 3 midterm elections, offering a festive occasion amid a busy political calendar.
Official White House footage and news coverage documented the decorations, costumed children and interactions between the presidential couple and guests, capturing the annual celebration in Washington, D.C.
