From Forest to Fame: The Story of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
If you find yourself in Washington, DC anytime during the month of December, one of the things you need to make a point of doing is checking out the Christmas trees around the city. While there are several trees worth checking out, my favorite to visit is the tree that lights up the U.S. Capitol grounds with holiday cheer from the beginning of December through the beginning of the new year.
The Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the People’s Tree, has been a Washington tradition since 1964, although maybe not a well-known one. While the most popular is the National Christmas tree that sits near the White House, few people know that the tradition of a Capitol Christmas tree began in 1913 with a “community Christmas” in Washington, DC. A 40-foot Norway spruce was set up on the East front plaza of the Capital and accompanied by a nativity scene and a choir.
The community Christmas pageant was repeated the following year but then suspended for budget cuts (some things never change). Then in 1964 the Speaker of the House, John W. McCormack, suggested that there should be a Christmas tree at the Capital, so a tree was planted. For the next several years the same tree was decorated and a tree-lighting ceremony was held. But tragedy struck three years later when the tree succumbed to root rot and wind damage. For the next two years they remained unsuccessful in planting a Christmas tree, so in 1970 they turned to t
Every year since, a tree is chosen from a different national forest to be the official People’s Tree on display at the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn. After harvesting, the tree is transported by truck to Washington, D.C., with stops along the way for public viewings. Accompanying the tree are thousands of ornaments handmade by citizens of that particular state. You can keep up with the trees trip on the US Capitol Christmas Tree’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. This year (2025) a 53-foot red fir nicknamed Silver Belle was selected from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada. It’s the first time a tree from this national forest was selected.
No matter how many times I see the Capitol tree, I can’t help but photograph it from different angles. From a distance the Capitol Christmas Tree sparkles like diamonds…
…and if you photograph it from the back side, you can get a picture of it with the Washington Monument!
In December of 2017 I took a group of exchange students to DC for the day and it started snowing while we were there. It was amazing to see the tree in the snow!
I also enjoy photographing the Capitol building with the tree. It’s just beautiful this time of year!
One of the things I love about this tree (besides less crowds that swarm the National Christmas tree) is that you can get up close and look at all of the ornaments.
It’s also a great adventure to pair with an afternoon visit to the nearby Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden!
Update for 2025: This year the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled take place on November 28, 2025. The tree will be lit daily from dusk until 11:00PM through January 3, 2026.
What are your favorite trees to visit during the Christmas holidays?
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Agnes
What a fascinating story behind the People’s Tree! I had no idea the Capitol Christmas Tree tradition actually started with a community celebration back in 1913. And I love that each year’s tree comes from a different national forest, complete with thousands of handmade ornaments from the home state. This year’s 53-foot red fir from Humboldt-Toiyabe sounds amazing—especially since it’s the first one ever chosen from that forest. Pairing a visit with Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden sounds like the perfect festive afternoon in DC!
Aditi S
What an interesting read— I loved learning how the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree gets chosen and then makes its way to D.C., bringing a piece of nature’s beauty to the heart of the city.
Sonia
Visiting the Capitol Christmas Tree and the US Botanic Gardens sounds like a wonderfully festive experience in DC!
Shweta
Just wow. Both the afar view across the lake and the close-up of the Xmas tree lit up are wow.