History of the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Every spring, children and families gather on the South Lawn of the White House for one of the most charming American traditions—the White House Easter Egg Roll. This year, the Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 on the South Lawn of the White House. And it is open to the public if you prepare ahead of time. (That means filling out security forms, getting on mailing lists and waiting lists, etc.–but it is totally doable and doesn’t cost anything other than your transportation to the event.)
The origins of the Easter Egg Roll date back to the early 1800s when children would gather on the grassy slopes of Capitol Hill to roll their eggs on Easter Monday. However, in 1876, Congress passed a law prohibiting the use of the Capitol grounds for such games due to concerns about the grounds’ upkeep.
Two years later, in 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to local children, and the Easter Egg Roll found its new home. Since then, it has become an annual celebration—except during wartime, periods of construction, and a few other interruptions. Over the years, the event has grown, incorporating music, storytelling, costumed characters, and celebrity guests. While the egg rolling is the heart of the event, the day has evolved into a full celebration of spring, family, and fun.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a cherished (non-political) American tradition and offers delightful memories for generations of families. For more information about this event, and information on how to join the mailing list so you can snag an invite, please visit the White House Historical Association’s website for more information.
