Easter at the White House: an American tradition
This year’s Easter seems a bit more impactful as Americans pause and reflect on the price of freedom of religion amid the war with Iran.
by Summer Lane | April 3, 2026
Easter weekend this year holds significant meaning for Americans, whose history is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.
On Monday, the White House will host its annual Easter Egg Roll. It will feature a special patriotic theme this year, as the nation’s 250th anniversary is coming up on July 4.
The history of the Easter Egg event at the White House can be traced to 1878, under the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. According to the WH, this tradition may have started even earlier with President Abraham Lincoln, who also celebrated “egg-rolling” events at the People’s House:
“In 1878, a group of bold children walked up to the White House gate, hoping to be allowed to play egg-rolling games there. President Hayes told his guards to let the children enter, and soon Easter Monday on the White House grounds became an annual tradition. President Benjamin Harrison added music to the festivities in 1889 with the United States Marine Band.”
Over the decades, the Easter Egg Roll has evolved into an opportunity for America’s First Ladies to design and organize a fun event for White House staff and American citizens, who are able to attend via a national lottery system.
This year, First Lady Melania Trump has organized a slate of fun activities for children, which includes “sensory-friendly” egg hunting for real farm-fresh eggs from American farms.
Along with musical performances and endless activity stations for kids, this year’s Easter Egg Roll will feature the First and Second Ladies as highlighted readers at the “Reading Nook.” Other members of the president’s cabinet will additionally read to kids, as well.
According to the White House, it takes an army of roughly 500 volunteers to organize and coordinate this event.
Stay tuned for coverage of the White House Easter Egg Roll on LindellTV on Monday, April 6.
Photo: Adobe Stock
