An American Christmas

Explore 26 beautifully decorated trees, each reflecting a defining era of American history from the 1770s to today. Lights, ornaments, and symbols bring the nation’s journey and culture to life in this festive exhibit.

November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

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Included with Museum admission

Row of Christmas Tree along the Colonnade

Walk Through Time: Christmas Trees That Tell America’s Story

Explore 26 dazzling trees at the Reagan Library—each one styled to reflect a different decade of America’s history—bringing our nation’s history to life in festive color and holiday cheer.

History lesson or work of art?

Each tree is a treasure trove filled with history, popular culture, sports and more.

Gold Star Family Memorial Tree honors the courage, sacrifice, and enduring love of Gold Star families. Ask our front desk how you can add your loved one to the tree.

We honor our fallen

Our Gold Star Family Memorial Tree honors the courage, sacrifice, and enduring love of Gold Star families. Ask our front desk how you can add your loved one to the tree.

Totally ’80s: From Reagan to Rubik’s—this tree is rad to the core

Flashback to the ’80s! From President Reagan’s two terms in office to neon, nostalgia, and pop-culture icons, this tree is sure to bring back memories.

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An American Christmas is back!

Guests will enjoy a tour through our winter wonderland featuring 26 trees decorated to celebrate the defining moments of America’s road to greatness, from the Revolutionary Era to today. Each tree reflects the life and times of American society and culture during each decade between 1770 and 2020 and beyond, thus tracing the evolution of America.

Through the use of lights, ornaments and decorations, each tree becomes its own piece of magnificent art. Each tree is decorated with what is culturally historic and symbolic in each decade. Betsy Ross is there, embroidering the first American flag. Newspapers blare headlines from history. And an image of Ronald Reagan himself peeks out from one tree that celebrates a new era in the U.S. presidency.

The trees representing the 1700s feature copies of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Other trees bear ornaments representing inventions, popular games and music, and world events. An 1890s tree has a Wright brothers model plane and the first telephone, while a 1970s tree has ornaments such as an eight-track tape and a shark representing "Jaws," a popular movie at the time. The 1980s tree commemorates Ronald Reagan’s time as our nation’s 40th president, but it also celebrates the Cabbage Patch doll, Beanie Babies, Rubik's Cube and personal computers.

Also on display will be a collection of beautiful hand-crafted Menorahs that were given to President Reagan while in office.

Santa will be at the Reagan Library from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with breaks at 1:00 p.m - 1:45pm on the following days, except as indicated. Photos with Santa are available for purchase.