California Contributes National Christmas Tree

National Christmas Tree Lighting is December 5, 2024 in Washington, D.C. on the Ellipse at the White House and President's Park

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A 65-foot Sierra white fir from Stanislaus National Forest was decorated with 10,000 LED lights that illuminate the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in a ceremony that includes Speaker of the House John Boehner. It was chosen based on shape and fullness, color and the condition of its foliage. While California trees are not selected every year, it's great to know we're well represented.

The People's Tree tradition began in 1964, and the job of providing it rotates among national forests. In 2011, the Stanislaus National Forest was chosen to provide the tree, marking the fourth time the Capitol tree came from California.

Stanislaus National Forest, encompasses 898,099 acres on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada; California's snow capped mountain range that flanks the Great Central Valley. Located between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, the Forest landscape is a continuum of natural and scenic beauty that defines the Sierra.

You can fish in over 800 miles of rivers and streams, stay in a campground, or hike into the backcountry seeking pristine solitude. You can swim near a sandy beach or wade into cold clear streams cooling your feet while lost in the beauty of nature, raft the exciting Tuolumne River, or canoe one of the many gorgeous lakes. You can ride a horse, a mountain bike or a snowmobile.

During the gold rush, the area that would become the Stanislaus National Forest was a busy place, occupied by miners and other immigrants, homesteaders and ranchers, dam builders and loggers. Several railroads were constructed to haul logs out of the woods. Evidence of these activities still exist.

A mere two hour drive from the Great Central Valley and three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, makes the Forest a very popular destination place.

Road Trip to Washington DC

California's tree traveled throughout the state visiting many cities and towns before it journeys to Washington, D.C. The California state took approx. 8 days.

The U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree also made frequent stops in communities across the nation on its way to Washington, D. C. The national tour took an additional 12 days. The tree was escorted by federal officials and have 24 hour a day Law Enforcement protection. A second full-sized semi-truck was needed to transport all the ornaments and smaller trees to Washington, D.C.

The caravan travels more than 4,500 miles during its three week tour. The tree was transported on a double flatbed truck. Placed on its side, it rested in a custom made cradle that supported the branches, preventing damage and maintaining the tree's perfect shape. The base of the tree was fitted with a rubber bladder filled with fresh water nightly. The tree absorbed approx. 60 gallons of water each day throughout its journey to Washington, D.C.

Trimming the Tree

Some neat facts!
The Citizens of California will make the 5,000 ornaments used to decorate the tree. The ornaments will be 9 to 12 inches tall and must be made to withstand 3 weeks of harsh winter weather.

10,000 LED Christmas lights are strung throughout the tree.
It takes more than a week for the U. S. Capitol Architect and his team to decorate. The Capitol Christmas Tree is topped by the same single star ornament used each year. The tree will be placed into a hole nearly five feet deep and cemented into place. Although U. S. Capitol Christmas Trees are varied heights, when installed they can be no taller that 60 feet. The Capitol landscape crew does not have a basket crane taller than that! An additional 2,000 ornaments will be made for the 100 companion trees displayed throughout Washington, D. C. offices and buildings.

US Capitol Christmas Tree Ceremony

Called "The People's Tree", the U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree from California will actually be presented to Congress as a gift from the Golden State.

The U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree was illuminated by a child from the state of California along with the Speaker of the House, John Boehner. The California Congressional Delegation, Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and California Governor Jerry Brown were expected to attend the event.

Tree Route

From California to Washington, D. C.
California's gift to the people of the United States will be a beautiful red fir from the Stanislaus National Forest. Likely taller than a 6-story building at harvest, the tree will be cut on Saturday, November 5, 2011, and will tour the state of California for approximately 8 days. After the California tour, the Capitol Christmas Tree will travel across the country on its way to Washington, D. C.

The U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree will come from the Stanislaus National Forest, in Central California. All aspects of the National Environmental Policy Act will be observed throughout the process of selecting and removing the tree. In January when the holiday concludes, the tree is chipped into mulch and placed throughout the Capitol Complex.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.