55-foot-tall Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives in D.C. from Colorado

The “People’s Tree” arrived on Capitol Hill on Friday, November 20.

The “People’s Tree” arrived on Capitol Hill on Friday, November 20. Photo by Kristie Baxter.

The tree traveled more than 2,000 miles from Colorado to Washington, D.C.

The tree traveled more than 2,000 miles from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado to Washington, D.C. Photo by Kristie Baxter.

The tree must be strong enough to support thousands of handmade ornaments.

The tree must be strong enough to support thousands of handmade ornaments created by residents of Colorado. Photo by Kristie Baxter.

Tree Now Stands on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol

The 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree, known as the “People’s Tree,” arrived on Capitol Hill on Friday, November 20. The 55-foot-tall Engelmann spruce now stands on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

After it was harvested on November 5, the tree traveled more than 2,000 miles from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado to Washington, D.C. During its journey by truck, the tree stopped in communities along the way. Now in place, the tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments created by Colorado residents.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tree was selected virtually this year. “We used videos, pictures, and measurements supplied by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests to identify a suitable Engelmann Spruce that all Coloradans can be proud of,” said Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum for the Architect of the Capitol.

Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has upheld the tradition of selecting and providing the Capitol Christmas Tree. The effort is supported by the Architect of the Capitol, whose employees help select, install, decorate, and light the tree each year.

Once decorated, the tree will be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through Christmas.