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Follow the People's Tree

November 9, 2026
Semi truck on a bridge over large river
Capitol Christmas Tree on the move in Twin Falls, Idaho. (Forest Service photo)

It’s that time of year again—the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is on the move! This year, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest out of north-central Idaho harvested and are delivering a 76-foot Engelmann spruce to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  

The U.S. Forest Service has provided the People’s Tree from one of its 154 national forests each year since 1970—that's 56 years of fresh-cut trees heading to the nation’s capital. Each year, the host forest is responsible for sourcing candidate trees, creating thousands of ornaments, and working with community members on the logistics surrounding the multi-week whistlestop tour. For the Nez Perce-Clearwater employees, it’s been a great responsibility and honor to share the unique qualities of their small corner of Idaho on a grand scale!

Another fun tradition is the naming of the tree itself. This year, the Nez Perce Tribe blessed the People’s Tree with its name as it prepared for its journey—Sew’isnimeepeme (Sue-Wiss-Knee-Muh-Pa-Ma)—meaning “One from Musselshell.” Musselshell Meadows is a historic and culturally rich open prairie that has served as an important gathering place for the Nez Perce people since time immemorial.

You can follow the People’s Tree journey in person or online! Catch it at the following locations as it makes it way to Washington, D.C., and stay tuned for an invite to watch the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting in early December.

  • Tuesday, Nov. 10: Custer, South Dakota  

  • Thursday, Nov. 12: Mitchell, South Dakota, and Albert Lea, Minnesota  

  • Friday, Nov. 13: Peoria, Illinois  

  • Saturday, Nov. 14: Richmond, Indiana  

  • Monday, Nov. 16: Morgantown, West Virginia  

  • Tuesday, Nov. 17: Hagerstown, Maryland, and Littlestown, Pennsylvania  

  • Thursday, Nov. 19: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (military ID access only)

Details for each event can be found on the Capitol Christmas tree website or on Facebook. 

You can also follow the People’s Tree on social media: