Easter at the White House 
 

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll is the Monday after Easter, April 5, 1999, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a public event, and advanced reservations are not possible. In case of severe weather, the event is canceled and not rescheduled. 

Children ages three through six, accompanied by at least one adult, are admitted to the south lawn for the egg roll. To reduce the hours spent waiting in line, free, timed tickets are distributed from the National Park Service Visitor Pavilion at the southwest corner of 15th and E Streets. Every person, even the smallest child, requires a ticket to enter the south lawn. Ticket distribution begins about 7 a.m. and continues until all tickets are issued. One person may receive up to four tickets. You should expect to wait in line for tickets and to enter the lawn. Once guests receive a timed ticket, they can wander the Ellipse to enjoy activities there until the time on the ticket. Lawn chairs, coolers, or chewing gum are not permitted on the White House south lawn. 

The Easter celebration on the Ellipse, the park area south of the White House, features activities and entertainment for all ages. No tickets are needed for the Ellipse activities, which include musical entertainment, food giveaways, story telling, and other fun things to do. 

On-street parking is not available near the White House. Use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. The recommended Metrorail stations are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines) Metro Center (blue, orange, and red lines), and McPherson Square (blue and orange lines). Public telephones and restrooms are on the Ellipse, at 15th and E Streets. 
 

Spring Garden and House Tour 

The annual Spring Garden and House Tour is held on Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, 1999. No tickets are required, nor are group reservations accepted. The line forms at the southeast gate, located at E Street and East Executive Avenue. 

Visitors view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, South Lawn, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, and the State Floor rooms of the White House. Military bands entertain on the lawn. Photographs are permitted on the grounds, but not in the Rose Garden nor inside the White House. In case of inclement weather, the garden portion is canceled but self-guided tours of the house continue. 

Fall Garden and House Tour 

The annual Fall Garden and House Tour is held on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10.   Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 12 noon and 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 1 until 5 p.m. Visitors are admitted if in line by the ending times indicated. No tickets are required, nor are group reservations accepted. The line forms at the southeast gate, located at E Street and East Executive Avenue. 

Visitors view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, South Lawn, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, and the State Floor rooms of the White House. Military bands entertain on the lawn. Photographs are permitted on the grounds, but not in the Rose Garden nor inside the White House. In case of inclement weather, the garden portion is canceled but self-guided tours of the house continue. 
 

Salute to Lafayette Square Festival 

Although not administered by the White House, we are pleased to publicize the Fifth Annual Salute to Lafayette Square Festival which opens the doors to homes and offices comprising the President's neighborhood not normally opened to the public. Guests walk the tour route with specially issued passports and guidebooks on Saturday, October 9, 1999 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. available at each featured site. 

Featured participants will include the Decatur House, Treasury Department, White House Historical Association, St. John's Episcopal Church, Hay-Adams Hotel and much more. The celebration is filled with enriching tours, exhibits, living history programs, children's activities, music, food vendors, and wonderful prizes. All activities are free. Please call the Decatur House at (202) 842-0917. 

Veterans Day 

On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, the White House is open for self-guided tours from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets or reservations are used. 

Thanksgiving 

On Thursday, November 25, the White House is closed to observe Thanksgiving. No tours are available. 

Christmas at the White House 

The Christmas decorations in the White House may be viewed in December.  Exact dates for 1999 are to be determined. 

Although not administered by the White House, we are pleased to publicize the annual month-long Pageant of Peace, which begins with the lighting of the National Christmas tree by President Clinton, on the Ellipse, just south of the White House. The national tree, as well as the state and territory trees, remain on the Ellipse until January 1. Musical programs are offered from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. Exact dates for 1999 are to be determined.  Detailed information is available from the National Park Service at (202)208-1631. 

Special Christmas tours for groups of senior citizens traveling by bus are scheduled, by reservation only. The date for 1999 is to be determined.  Decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservation requests should include the name of the group, number of people, contact person who will be with the group, and the address, phone, and fax numbers of the contact person. Mail requests to: Senior Tours, Visitors Office, White House, Washington DC, 20502. 

Christmas tours for groups of people in wheelchairs or with other mobility disabilities are available, also by reservation only. The date for 1999 is to be determined.  Reservation requests should include the name of the group, number of people, contact person who will be with the group, and the address, phone, and fax numbers of the contact person. Mail requests to: Disabled Tours, Visitors Office, White House, Washington DC, 20502. For each of these tours, the driver must remain with the vehicle and cannot also serve as an escort or attendant. 

The annual Candlelight tours of the White House are scheduled on three evenings after Christmas from 5 until 7 p.m. Advance tickets are not used, nor are group reservations accepted. The line begins at the southeast gate. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. is admitted. Please note that the Candlelight tours are identical to and in addition to the regular self-guided tours scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12 noon every Tuesday through Saturday. The Candlelight tours are often very crowded, the wait may be long, and the weather will probably be cold, so please dress appropriately.