IN THE NEWS Catch the latest stories, milestones, and behind-the-scenes moments from the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Explore news stories and updates about the People’s Tree, and stay up-to-date on the latest events, activities, and milestones throughout the season.
2023 Tree from Monongahela National Forest Lit on West Lawn
The holiday season has officially begun, as the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest was lit during a public ceremony. The Architect of the Capitol welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) […]
Trees grown in Bruceton Mills to be displayed in Washington, D.C.
With this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas celebration theme being “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful,” a number of smaller trees will be distributed throughout Washington D.C. and Joint Base Andrew. All of these trees will be provided by presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Jim Rockis of Bruceton Mills, WV. Jim Rockis became […]
Tree safely arrives in D.C.; Lighting Ceremony to take place Nov. 28
Each year, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service. This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest.The tree traveled to Washington, D.C., by truck making stops in […]
The Harvest: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is felled on Nov. 1
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested Wednesday, Nov. 1, from the Monongahela National Forest in the Greenbrier Ranger District. Follow the journey, beginning with this story from Brad Rice, a photojournalist with WCHS 8 (West Virginia). https://youtu.be/9qJjrkXieeM?si=B5p5j0bzs5J-AGmO
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Readied for its Journey
After being harvested on Nov. 1, staff spent three days prepping the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for its journey from the mountains of West Virginia to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. West Hempfield Township-based AHF Products Inc. lent its facility to ready and wrap the tree in Beverly, West […]
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Kicks off in Elkins
The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Elkins in early November on its way to Washington, D.C. The free event, set for Saturday, Nov. 4, will feature a parade, live music, and activities for children. “We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will kick off its journey to […]
Sawyers Selected to Harvest 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Early November
West Virginia attorney and World Champion Lumberjack Arden Cogar, Jr. and longtime Monongahela National Forest employee Ron Polgar have been chosen to harvest the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Monongahela National Forest in early November. Arden Cogar is a lifelong West Virginia resident and part of a family known for […]
Manchin Announces Ethan Reese as Winner of 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest
Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced Ethan Reese from Beverly Elementary School in Randolph County as the winner of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest. More than 400 entries were received from fourth graders across West Virginia. Ethan […]
Shawnee Tribe Names 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Monongahela National Forest announced today that the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been named “wa’feem’tekwi” by the Shawnee Tribe. The name means “bright tree” in the Shawnee language and is pronounced phonetically “wa thame tech we”.“We are grateful for the strong relationship the Eastern Region of the Forest Service […]
Manchin Announces 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest for West Virginia Fourth Grader
Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced an essay contest for West Virginia fourth graders as part of the celebration of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People’s Tree” – lights up the […]
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