Silver Belle Arrives at U.S. Capitol After Cross-Country Journey From Nevada

The Christmas tree selected for the U.S. Capitol has completed its long journey from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, arriving at the Capitol on Friday, November 21, after spending several days at Joint Base Andrews.

The update was confirmed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on its official Facebook page, and a video of the final leg from the base to the Capitol can be viewed below.

The 53-foot red fir, named “Silver Belle,” was harvested on October 24 from the Carson Ranger District near Sky Tavern and the Mt. Rose ski areas. This marks Nevada’s first time providing the “People’s Tree” for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Before heading east, Silver Belle made her debut at the Nevada Day Parade on November 1 and then began a multi-state whistle-stop tour, giving communities a chance to see the tree up close, sign a banner, take photos, purchase official merchandise, and learn more about the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service, the Society of American Foresters, Sierra Forever, and numerous community organizations coordinated the effort. Nevada leaders said the honor reflects the beauty and importance of Nevada’s public lands.

“Nevada’s rugged, wide-open landscapes are a hallmark of our culture and a cornerstone of our economy,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “The state of Nevada looks forward to partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and showcase what’s special about the Silver State.”

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto added, “We are so excited for the Silver State to have the opportunity to share a piece of its natural beauty with the rest of the country. A Christmas tree from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will spark the joy of the holiday season for all Americans, and it will deepen our country’s appreciation for all that Nevada’s public lands have to offer. We look forward to seeing a Nevada tree light up the nation’s capital this December.”

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program, known nationwide as the “People’s Tree,” began in 1964. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has collaborated with the Architect of the Capitol to select a tree that meets specific criteria from a different national forest each year. Last year’s tree came from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.

Forest Supervisor Jon Stansfield said providing the 2025 tree is a special honor. “The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is unlike any other, encompassing magnificent mountain and high desert landscapes that offer more than beauty; they support Nevada’s economy and way of life.  We are deeply honored to provide the centerpiece for our nation’s celebration in 2025 and share with the entire country the people and places that make our forest unique.”

As part of the tradition, students across Nevada are creating 10,000 handmade ornaments inspired by the theme “Starry Skies to Neon Lights, Spirit of the Silver State.” Fourth-grade students from Libby Booth Elementary School were selected to help lead the effort, using natural, recycled, or repurposed materials. A child from Nevada is expected to help light the tree at the December ceremony alongside the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters, said the tree brings people together during the holiday season. “This effort uniquely crosses all of our differences to bring communities together,” he said.“Society of American Foresters is excited to bring its resources and network of professionals together to highlight the amazing resources of Nevada and its first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.”

Silver Belle’s national tour included stops in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and finally Maryland, where she rested at Joint Base Andrews before embarking on her final short journey to the Capitol. After weeks on the road, the tree reached Washington, D.C., on November 21, where it will be prepared for the official lighting ceremony next month.

Updates and additional event information can be found at uscapitolchristmastree.com.

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest covers more than 6 million acres across Nevada and eastern California, making it the largest national forest in the continental United States.