Silver Belle: Nevada’s Gift to the Nation

For 55 years, a tree has been selected from America’s national forests to journey to the U.S. Capitol as a gift from the people, for the people. This year, The People’s Tree is extra special. For the first time ever, the Christmas tree will come from the Silver State. And before it reaches Washington, D.C., the tree will travel across Nevada, delivering stories and smiles along the way. Read on to find out how you can be part of these festive celebrations.

Nevada’s First U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 

The magnificent red fir, lovingly named Silver Belle, comes from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest—the largest national forest in the Lower 48. The tree was chosen for its perfect form, distinctive blue-green needles that point upward, and dense, sturdy branches—a must to support the 10,000 handmade ornaments that will soon shimmer across its boughs. The 53-foot tree was selected from nine options identified by Forest Service staff in the Carson Ranger District and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area before landing on Silver Belle. This holiday season, Silver Belle will travel east as Nevada’s gift to the nation.

Over the years, trees have come from every corner of the nation—from misty Pacific evergreens to snow-covered Appalachians—each one a tribute to America’s vast public lands and the communities that care for them. Nevada is proud to provide The People’s Tree for 2025, which celebrates the beauty, wonder, and battle-born spirit of Nevada through the chosen theme: Starry Skies to Neon Lights—Spirit of the Silver State. 

A Celebration of Nevada’s Spirit  

The tree itself is only the beginning of what makes it special. Each of Nevada’s 17 counties created a unique panel to make the tree skirt for Silver Belle. The skirt was stitched together by the Nevada Association of Counties to symbolize the unity and shared pride of the Silver State. Nevadans from all across the state also came together to make 10,000 handmade ornaments, which will adorn the boughs of Silver Belle.   

Nevada will be well represented in Washington, D.C., during the official tree lighting ceremony. Grady Armstrong, a fourth-grader from Hugh Gallagher Elementary in Virginia City, won the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest. This December, Grady will get to travel to Washington, D.C., for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to light Silver Belle alongside the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and will read his winning essay aloud. 

From Nevada to the Nation’s Capitol 

Before Silver Belle heads to the U.S. Capitol, the tree will embark on a festive tour across Nevada. At each stop, well-wishers will be able to take pictures with Silver Belle, sign the official banner, buy U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise, and learn more about what makes Nevada’s beautiful national forest so special as we celebrate the “Spirit of the Silver State.” 

Here’s a list of places where you can see Silver Belle:

• Saturday, Nov. 1: Nevada Day Parade in Carson City 
• Sunday, Nov. 2: Lovelock and Elko, Nevada  
• Monday, Nov. 3: Ely, Nevada 
• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Las Vegas, Nevada 

Once Silver Belle makes its way through Nevada, the tree will continue its tour through the U.S., going through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. By the time Silver Belle reaches the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the tree will have connected with thousands of people across America—sharing the spirit of Nevada along the way.  

Follow Silver Belle’s Journey 

Want to follow along as Silver Belle makes its way to Washington, D.C.? Stay up to date on the parades, festivals, and community celebrations as the first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Nevada spreads joy and holiday spirit as it makes its way to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Get updates at the official website or follow along on Facebook.