KAMIAH, ID — The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests have been selected to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, marking the first time the forest will supply the tree that stands on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season.
Forest Service officials say the selection will serve as the centerpiece of a year-long series of events across north-central Idaho, celebrating the forests, local communities, and regional partnerships.
Idaho leaders praised the announcement, calling it an opportunity to showcase the state’s natural landscapes on a national stage. The tree, often referred to as “The People’s Tree,” will be harvested from within the more than 4 million acres that make up the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, though the exact location has not yet been disclosed.
Before arriving in Washington, D.C., the tree will embark on a cross-country tour, with planned stops in communities both locally and nationwide. Organizers say the tour will include public events, educational opportunities, and ornament-making activities involving local residents and partners.
The effort is supported by several partners, including the Society of American Foresters and the Nez Perce Tribe, as part of a long-standing collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. The annual tradition, now in its 56th year, rotates among national forests across the country.
Forest officials say the project will also highlight the history, ecology, and cultural significance of the region throughout the year, leading up to the tree’s lighting during the 2026 holiday season in the nation’s capital.
