Governor Evers Sets Year of the Neighbor Holiday Theme
The 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree will honor neighbors across the state this winter.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Governor Tony Evers has announced that the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree will feature the theme The Year of the Neighbor. The design honors Wisconsinites who help make their communities extraordinary places to live.
Why it matters
The chosen theme reflects a broader state initiative previously highlighted in the Governor's State of the State address. It encourages public participation by inviting families and students to contribute to the display in the Capitol Rotunda.
Ornaments should be between 4 and 6 inches in size and include a 10-inch loop of ribbon or string for hanging. All items must be crafted from non-breakable materials to ensure they survive the shipping and handling process.
The players
Tony Evers
Tony Evers serves as the Governor of Wisconsin and has championed the Year of the Neighbor initiative throughout his current term.
Wisconsin Department of Administration
This state agency manages the logistics of the ornament collection and the Capitol display process.
The details
To participate in the display, students and families must mail their handmade, durable ornaments to the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The finished tree will be showcased in the Capitol Rotunda throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Timeline
Governor Tony Evers announced the holiday tree theme on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The deadline to mail ornament submissions to the state is Friday, November 20, 2026.
The Capitol Holiday Tree will be displayed in the Capitol Rotunda throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Industry Dynamics
This initiative follows the 2026 State of the State address and aligns the state's seasonal displays with the Governor's ongoing public policy focus. By integrating a theme from his executive agenda into a traditional holiday event, the administration reinforces its long-term Year of the Neighbor outreach campaign.
Wisconsin families and students can participate by mailing their non-breakable ornaments to 17 West Main Street, Suite 119, by the November 20 deadline. Following these strict size and material guidelines ensures that individual contributions can be safely included in the Capitol display.
The takeaway
Engaging in public holiday traditions like the Capitol tree display serves as a tangible way to connect with the state's civic initiatives. Residents should ensure their submissions are sturdy and meet the specific hanging requirements to guarantee inclusion in the Rotunda exhibit.
Further reading
Learn more about local festivities on the Wisconsin Seasonal Events page.
Live Poll
Do you believe participating in state-sponsored local traditions strengthens community bonds in your area?
