Capitol Christmas Tree to Begin Journey October 29

A 76-foot Engelman Spruce will travel from Idaho to Washington, D.C. for a cross-country tour.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a tall Engelman spruce tree in a mountainous landscape, evocative of American national forest traditions. — The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a 76-foot Engelman Spruce from Idaho, begins its cross-country journey on October 29 ahead of the holidays. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Beginning October 29, 2026, the official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will commence a cross-country tour from Idaho to Washington, D.C. The 76-foot Engelman Spruce serves as a commemorative sendoff for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Why it matters

The annual selection of a tree from a national forest highlights the tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which has been a staple of the holiday season since 1970.

This year's tree is a 76-foot Engelman Spruce weighing over 10,000 pounds. It was harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, one of 154 national forests across the United States.

The players

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

This forest located in Idaho is the specific site selected to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

AAA

The federation of motor clubs is providing essential roadside support for the heavy convoy transporting the tree.

The details

The massive tree will be transported by a convoy that receives logistical support from AAA as it makes its way across the nation. Once it arrives in Washington, D.C., volunteers will decorate it and companion trees with handmade ornaments created by residents of Idaho.

1970 marked the beginning of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition.
The convoy is scheduled to start its tour on October 29, 2026.
The tour events are slated to conclude on November 21, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The tree's journey acts as a cultural precursor to the national celebrations planned for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. This annual trek reflects the broader tourism cycle of seasonal attractions that move between America's federal lands and the capital.

Travelers interested in the convoy can monitor local event listings to potentially catch a glimpse of the tree as it moves across the country. Those planning visits to Washington, D.C. should prepare for typical holiday-season crowds as the nation prepares for the December lighting ceremony.

The takeaway

This tradition bridges the gap between rural national forests and the heart of the federal government during the holiday season. The 56-year-old program emphasizes the role of public lands in contributing to national civic observances.