Michigan's State Christmas Tree Heads to Lansing
A 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain will be delivered to the State Capitol on November 7 ahead of its November 20 lighting.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
Crews will cut a 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula on Thursday, November 5, and deliver it to the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Saturday, November 7. The tree was donated by Larry Riccio and his family, who say it has outgrown their property.
Why it matters
The tree marks the 40th official Michigan state Christmas tree and the 26th to come from the Upper Peninsula, continuing a long-running statewide tradition. Its donation also resolves a practical problem for the Riccio family, whose home they have owned since 1986.
The donated spruce stands 60 feet tall and is the 40th official Michigan state Christmas tree, the 26th to come from the Upper Peninsula. The Riccio family has owned their home since 1986, roughly 40 years.
The players
Larry Riccio
Riccio and his family donated the tree from their Iron Mountain property, which they have owned since 1986.
Hi-Ball Company
A Lansing-based company providing the crane that will lift the tree into position at the Capitol.
The details
Local Boy Scouts will help untie the tree when it reaches the Capitol, and Lansing's Hi-Ball Company will use a crane to lift it into position near Capitol Avenue and Michigan Avenue. The tree will be lit at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, during Silver Bells in the City.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Crews cut the tree in Iron Mountain.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: The tree arrives at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.
Friday, November 20, 2026: The tree is lit during Silver Bells in the City, around 7:30 p.m.
Market Landscape
This donation extends a tradition of Upper Peninsula trees that has supplied 26 of Michigan's 40 official state Christmas trees. It reflects a recurring pattern in which private families donate trees that have outgrown their properties to the state.
Residents and visitors to downtown Lansing can view the tree at the Capitol once it is installed on November 7. Expect the crane lift and placement near Capitol Avenue and Michigan Avenue to cause temporary disruption in that area.
The takeaway
Community donations of large trees, like this one from the Riccio family, keep a statewide holiday tradition alive year after year. Watch for the November 20 lighting if you want to see the tree in person.
What happens next
The tree is scheduled to be lit at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, during Silver Bells in the City in Lansing.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy to see how community donations like this one shape civic traditions across Michigan.
