Every year, the US Capitol gets an enormous, live evergreen to decorate as the nation’s Christmas tree. In the past, it came from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Virginia. This year, it will travel from Alaska!
Alaskan Tree
The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree comes from the Alaska Region of the Forest Service. It is 80 feet long and symbolizes the Alaskans’ connection to the lands they call home.
History
Previously, the only other U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska was sent from the Chugach National Forest in 2015. The tree will come from the Tongass National Forest—America’s largest national forest this year.
The Trip
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, known as the “People’s Tree,” adorns the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It has been selected each year since 1970 from a different national forest. As part of the festivities leading up to its destination, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree goes on a Whistlestop Tour and will stop at 11 locations on its way to Washington, D.C. It made its first two stops already in October.
This is also the first year the public could vote on the tree’s name via social media. The winner is Spruce Wayne.
The tree’s 4,000-mile journey from Wrangell, Alaska, to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, will take over three weeks. Spruce Wayne will travel to the lower 48 by sea and then by truck from the Pacific coast of the United States to the eastern seaboard.
At each stop, people will have the opportunity to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with markers, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, get free stickers, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.” While the trip does not include Missouri, one can travel to Nebraska or Indiana to participate in the fun.
Tour dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on the Whistlestop Tour events, visit the Capitol Christmas Tree online calendar.
Purpose
The Capitol Christmas tree journey connects people to the holiday celebrations and educates the public about the Forest Service’s mission.
Once the tree arrives in Washington, D.C., Nov. 22, the annual tree-lighting will be held in early December. There will be several local events, including a reception at the USDA headquarters and a tree-lighting ceremony for USDA and Forest Service employees.
