LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — “Silver Belle,” the first Capitol Christmas tree selected from Nevada, arrived in the country’s capital Friday morning.
The 53-foot red fir’s selection from the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest was announced last month. The tree made the 3800-mile trip over 23 days and made 16 stops along the way.
“The ‘People’s Tree’ coming from Nevada is probably one of the best experiences and best opportunities I’ve had in my whole career,” said Duncan Leao, Capitol Christmas Tree Project Lead. He assembled a skilled crew from the U.S. Forest Service, coordinated with sponsors and oversaw the tree selection process.
The forest, along with nonprofit partner Society of American Foresters, local communities and sponsors have been collecting Nevada-themed Christmas ornaments since last fall. “We requested help from all Nevadans from the course of last Fall to now. 10,000 ornaments to decorate Silver Belle and some accompanying companion trees to go on the West Lawn. You’ll see some of the most creative and very Nevada ornaments you’ve ever seen on Silver Belle,” added Leao.
Those ornaments are packed up and will be placed on the tree closer to December.
The tree is expected to be lit during a ceremony on Dec. 2, and will be lit nightly from dusk until 11 p.m. through early January 2026.
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