The White House Easter Egg Roll
The White House and President'S Park
History of the White House Easter Egg Roll
In the 1870s, Capitol Hill had become a popular spot for children to roll eggs - and themselves - down the hill on Easter Monday. As the event grew more popular, the toll on the grounds was noticeable. In 1876, Congress passed a law forbidding the Capitol grounds to be used as a children's playground. In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so. The tradition has been carried on since, and has now grown into the largest event held at the White House every year.
Geared toward children 12 years of age and under, the event will feature live entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, appearances by costumed characters, and the famous Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. An online lottery is conducted each year to award tickets for the event. Signing up for the lottery and event tickets through the lottery are both free of charge.
History of the White House Easter Egg Roll
In the 1870s, Capitol Hill had become a popular spot for children to roll eggs - and themselves - down the hill on Easter Monday. As the event grew more popular, the toll on the grounds was noticeable. In 1876, Congress passed a law forbidding the Capitol grounds to be used as a children's playground. In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so. The tradition has been carried on since, and has now grown into the largest event held at the White House every year.
Geared toward children 12 years of age and under, the event will feature live entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, appearances by costumed characters, and the famous Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. An online lottery is conducted each year to award tickets for the event. Signing up for the lottery and event tickets through the lottery are both free of charge.
Need to Know
- Contact Information for Lottery Updates
Your email address is our primary means for notifying you of lottery results. To ensure you receive important messages related to the lottery, please update your email address and contact information before entering the lottery. Please also ensure you add Recreation.gov to your address book or safe senders list and check your “spam” or “junk mail” folder for notifications.
- Important Dates for 2023 Event
Lottery Opens: March 16, 2023 (10am EDT)
Lottery Closes: March 23, 2023 (3pm EDT)
Lottery Results Announced: March 27, 2023
Event Date: April 10, 2023
- Ticket Information
There is no charge for entering the lottery
Only one application is allowed per household
Requires at least 1 child (age 12 and under) and 1 adult to apply; a max of 2 adults can enter per application
Tickets are free, but limited to 6 per household
Ensure your account contact information is correct and current as your email will be used for lottery and ticket communications.
Results will be announced on March 27, and an email will be sent to successful lottery applicants
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
