Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to Provide 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The 'People's Tree' will be selected from the forests and taken on a tour before lighting up the Capitol in late November or early December.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:51pm

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The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho have been selected to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the 'People's Tree'. The forests and their non-profit partners will host a series of events across north-central Idaho to celebrate the tree's selection, create ornaments, and educate the public about the forests before the tree embarks on a tour and is lit at the U.S. Capitol in late November or early December.

Why it matters

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a longstanding tradition that brings national attention to one of America's 154 national forests each year. Providing the tree is a great honor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and the state of Idaho, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and engaging local communities in the celebration.

The details

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests were selected to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree after the Payette National Forest in Idaho last provided the tree in 2016. Before its journey to Washington D.C., the forests and their non-profit partners will host events across north-central Idaho to create ornaments and educate the public about the forests. The tree is traditionally decorated with around 5,000 handmade ornaments from its home state.

  • The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is expected to be standing and lit in either the last week of November or the first week of December.
  • The last time Idaho provided the Capitol tree was in 2016, when it came from the Payette National Forest.

The players

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

A national forest located in north-central Idaho that has been selected to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the 'People's Tree'.

Brad Little

The Governor of Idaho, who commented that the state is 'excited to share some Idaho spirit with families across the country next Christmas season' by providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

Jon Word

The forest supervisor on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, who announced that it is a 'great honor' to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to share some Idaho spirit with families across the country next Christmas season.”

— Brad Little, Governor of Idaho

“It is a great honor to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the 'People's Tree', from the Nez Perce-Clearwater. We look forward to working closely with the Nez Perce Tribe, the Society of American Foresters and all our partners and communities.”

— Jon Word, Forest Supervisor, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

What’s next

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and their non-profit partners will host a series of events across north-central Idaho in the coming year to celebrate the tree's selection, create ornaments, and educate the public about the forests before the tree embarks on its journey to the U.S. Capitol.

The takeaway

The selection of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a prestigious honor that will showcase the natural beauty of Idaho and engage local communities in the longstanding tradition of the 'People's Tree'.