April 6

White House Easter Egg Roll

Join the roll and fun! The White House Easter Egg Roll - a tradition of joy, laughter, and smiles for your little ones!

Yearly Date

Day After Easter Sunday

Observed in

Introduction

Kick off the month of April by partaking in one of the most iconic and cherished traditions at the nation's capital, the White House Easter Egg Roll! On April 1, the lush greens of the White House lawn transform into the setting of this vibrant event. The significance of this event can be traced all the way back to 1878. Originally, it was children from Washington D.C. who brought their decorated eggs to roll on the hilly terrains of the Capitol Building. But, when the lawns were being reseeded, President Rutherford B. Hayes welcomed the children to the White House grounds, commencing this beloved tradition! Indulge in the thrill of the roll, the joyous laughter, and the celebration of Easter in a grand and historically meaningful way. Mark your calendars and get ready to roll!

White House Easter Egg Roll Timeline

1878

Inception of Easter Egg Roll

President Rutherford B. Hayes officially begins the tradition of the Easter Egg Roll on the lawns of the White House.

1897

First Music Addition

President Grover Cleveland adds music for the first time by inviting the Marine Band to perform.

1927

Presidential Participation

The tradition grows as President Calvin Coolidge and First Lady Grace Coolidge join the children in the Egg Roll.

1953

Egg Decorating Introduced

First Lady Mamie Eisenhower introduced egg decorating activities, further enhancing the event's appeal to children.

1969

Broadening Audience

President Richard Nixon's administration invites blind children to participate in the Easter Egg Roll for the first time.

2009

Theme Introduction

The Obamas introduced an annual theme to the event – the first being "Let's Go Play" to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

How to Celebrate White House Easter Egg Roll

1 Design your own Easter eggs

Get creative by decorating your own Easter eggs at home. You can use paint, glitter, stickers, or whatever else you have on hand. Try to mimic the beautiful and intricate designs found on the official White House Easter Eggs!

2 Host your own Egg Roll event

Invite friends and neighbors over for your own Easter Egg Roll event. You can set up an egg rolling competition in your backyard or local park and award prizes for the longest roll or most creative egg design.

3 Bake Easter-themed treats

Make delicious Easter-themed cupcakes or cookies. Shape them like eggs or top them with pastel-colored frostings to match the event. For a healthier option, consider making hard-boiled egg chicks or a bunny-shaped fruit salad.

4 Read about the history of the White House Easter Egg Roll

The White House Easter Egg Roll has a rich history that goes back many years. Take some time to read about its origins and learn how it has evolved over the years. It can be fun and educational!

5 Craft an Easter Egg Roll-themed centerpiece

Celebrate the historical event at home by creating a captivating table centerpiece reflecting the Easter Egg Roll. Decorate a basket with hand-painted eggs, faux grass, and springtime flowers. A printed copy of the White House can join your tableau, reminding everyone of where this tradition started.

Why We Love White House Easter Egg Roll

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a Festive Tradition

This event gives us a glimpse of how tradition and history are intertwined with the joyous celebration of Easter in the nation's capital. From the roll down the White House lawn to the special Easter Egg designs, it's a unique way to mark the Easter Holiday.

It Encourages Creativity

The White House Easter Egg Roll encourages creativity in forms like egg decorating and baking Easter-themed treats. It gives us a chance to express our artistic side, offering a different and fun perspective on Easter festivities outside the regular egg hunts.

The event fosters Community Spirit

Hosting your own egg roll event or creating an Easter Egg Roll-themed centerpiece at home allows us to involve our friends, family and our community in the festivities, promoting bonding and fostering a strong community spirit around this communal tradition.