LDT. 🎄 “Silver Belle” Shines: 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives on the West Lawn
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The holiday season officially began in the nation’s capital this week as the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree — a 53-foot red fir lovingly named “Silver Belle” — was lifted into place on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The tree’s arrival followed a multistate tour celebrating communities along its route, according to coverage from regional outlets including WHSV and Fox 5 DC.
🌲 A Historic First for Nevada
This year’s “People’s Tree” comes from the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, the first time the Silver State has ever provided the Capitol Christmas Tree, as noted by forestry officials and the Architect of the Capitol. Known for its symmetry and dense branches, the red fir was selected earlier this year after a months-long search across the forest.
Community groups and local artists across Nevada also contributed thousands of handmade ornaments, ensuring the tree reflects the culture and character of its home state.
đźš› A 3,000-Mile Holiday Journey
“Silver Belle” traveled nearly 3,000 miles to Washington, making stops in towns and cities for public viewings, parades, and holiday events. The tour — a long-standing tradition — gives Americans nationwide a chance to see the tree before it reaches the Capitol. News outlets including WRBC and WJLA noted that the tree drew large crowds at nearly every stop.
Upon arrival in D.C., a specialized team from the Architect of the Capitol used cranes and rigging to carefully set the 4,500-pound fir into the ground — a process that took roughly an hour.
✨ Preparing for the Lighting Ceremony
With the tree now standing tall, crews will spend the next several days installing thousands of LED lights and placing the ornaments created by Nevada residents. The official lighting ceremony — a tradition since the 1960s — will take place in early December and will remain open for public viewing throughout the month.
🌟 A Symbol of Unity and Tradition
Beyond its beauty, the Capitol Christmas Tree represents something deeper: a shared sense of community and national pride. Each year, the “People’s Tree” is chosen not only for its appearance but also for its connection to America’s public lands and the people who care for them.
For Nevada, “Silver Belle” stands as a milestone — a chance to showcase the state’s natural landscapes and the spirit of the communities who helped send it across the country.
As December approaches, thousands of visitors are expected to gather on the Capitol grounds to take in the glow of this year’s tree, marking another chapter in one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions.
