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.

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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 […]

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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

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Monongahela National Forest Announces 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Schedule

Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. Monongahela National Forest, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, will bring this special gift from West Virginia to Washington, D.C., with a […]

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