Revised August 20, 2026
Visiting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is one of my favorite holiday traditions in Washington, DC. Each December, a towering evergreen sparkles on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, creating one of the most beautiful Christmas scenes in the nation’s capital.
Unlike the National Christmas Tree near the White House, the Capitol Christmas Tree arrives each year from one of America’s national forests. Its journey to Washington is part of the tradition, with communities across the country contributing handmade ornaments that celebrate the tree’s home state.
I love walking down the National Mall after dark to see the illuminated tree standing against the gleaming white dome of the U.S. Capitol. For me, it signals that Christmas has truly arrived in Washington, DC.
Table of Contents
Visiting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stands on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, overlooking the National Mall. Visiting the tree is free, and you do not need a ticket.
Location: West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC
2026 Lighting Ceremony: Early December. The exact date will be announced in fall 2026. Traditionally, the Speaker of the House lights the tree during the annual ceremony.
Best time to visit: I recommend arriving after sunset when you can see the illuminated tree against the U.S. Capitol dome. The tree is typically illuminated each evening from early December through New Year’s Day.
Cost: Free
Tickets: No tickets are required to visit the tree.
Closest Metro: Federal Center SW and Capitol South are convenient Metro stations for reaching the Capitol grounds.
How long to allow: Plan on about 30 minutes to admire the tree, photograph the ornaments, and enjoy views of the Capitol. Allow more time if you combine your visit with a holiday walk around Capitol Hill or the nearby U.S. Botanic Garden.
Dress warmly because the tree is outdoors and the West Front Lawn can feel especially cold and windy on December evenings. I also recommend viewing the tree from several angles. The illuminated Capitol dome makes a spectacular backdrop for holiday photographs.
If you are planning a December visit, discover my 14 best things to do in Washington, DC at Christmas, including holiday markets, light displays, concerts, and seasonal attractions.
Sunset Visit
I highly recommend visiting after sunset. The U.S. Capitol looms large at night as its white marble facade gleams in the moonlight. The U.S. Capitol looks especially majestic at night as its white marble facade glows against the dark sky.
The illuminated Christmas tree adds splashes of color to the scene. Step back toward the National Mall to take in the entire view of the tree framed by the Capitol dome. Then walk closer to admire the handmade ornaments decorating its branches.
I like to linger for a few minutes rather than simply snap a photo and leave. On a crisp December evening, seeing the Christmas tree glowing beneath the Capitol dome feels like a quintessential Washington holiday experience.
Want to see more? Follow my self-guided DC holiday tree walk to discover some of Washington’s most beautiful Christmas trees on foot.
Selecting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Since 1970, the USDA Forest Service has provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in partnership with the Architect of the Capitol. Each year, a different national forest is selected to provide “The People’s Tree.” Over the years, the Capitol Christmas Tree has represented numerous species, including Engelmann Spruce, Noble Fir, White Fir, Red Spruce, Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce, and Red Fir.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho will provide the 2026 Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree, which will stand in front of the Nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., is an 80-foot-tall grand fir located on the Salmon River Ranger District.
Jim Kaufmann, Executive Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), selected the tree during a weeklong visit to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. He narrowed down his choice from over 60 candidate trees identified by Forest Service employees.
“To protect the tree, its precise location will remain confidential until the harvest in late October. The project team will then prepare the tree for its whistle-stop tour through Idaho and across the country to our nation’s capital. The Forest Service will share information about the harvest celebration and the whistle-stop events when plans are set,” according to the AOC.
Symbol of American People
The Capitol Christmas Tree is also known as the People’s Tree, because it stands in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. It is “a symbol of the American people and their government, the meeting place of the nation’s legislature,” according to the AOC.
For the entire month of December, people from Washington, DC, as well as from states as far-flung as Alaska and countries throughout the world will make the pilgrimage to celebrate Christmas in this capital city. And no place is as moving as the quiet grandeur of the U.S. Capitol grounds decorated for the season.
FAQs
Is it free to visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree?
Yes. Visiting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is completely free, and you do not need a ticket. The tree stands outdoors on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
When is the best time to see the Capitol Christmas Tree?
Visit after sunset to see the tree illuminated against the U.S. Capitol dome. I especially enjoy visiting on a clear December evening when you can walk around the tree and photograph it from different viewpoints.
How long does the Capitol Christmas Tree stay up?
The tree is typically illuminated from its lighting ceremony in early December through New Year’s Day. Exact dates and lighting hours can vary each year.
What is the difference between the Capitol Christmas Tree and the National Christmas Tree?
The Capitol Christmas Tree stands on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The National Christmas Tree is located on the Ellipse near the White House. Both are free to visit and can easily be included in a holiday sightseeing trip.
What else can I see near the Capitol Christmas Tree at Christmas?
Combine your visit with the holiday displays at the U.S. Botanic Garden, which is located next to the Capitol grounds. You can also walk around Capitol Hill or continue along the National Mall to see other Washington, DC holiday attractions.
Final Thoughts
Seeing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree illuminated against the Capitol dome remains one of my favorite December traditions in Washington, DC. Despite the crowds and bustle of the holiday season, this corner of the National Mall can feel surprisingly peaceful after dark.
Every year, a different tree makes the long journey from a national forest to Washington. But the experience remains the same. Bundle up, slow down, and take a few minutes to admire the lights and handmade ornaments. You might even want to pack a thermos of hot chocolate!
For me, seeing the Capitol Christmas Tree glowing on a cold December night is one of those simple moments that makes Christmas in Washington feel magical.
No Comments