U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tour makes stop in Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is stopping in Idaho Falls as part of its nationwide trek from the Gem State to the U.S. Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C.
The free public event takes place Friday night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Idaho Falls Public Library, featuring festivities, music and community activities alongside the 76-foot tree.
This year's tree is a 76-foot Engelmann spruce harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho. Weighing more than 10,000 pounds, the tree is traveling across the country on a specialized trailer accompanied by a dedicated convoy.
The cross-country journey marks the 56th year of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition, where a different national forest is chosen each year to provide a tree for the nation's capitol. The occasion carries added significance as the country prepares for America's 250th anniversary.
Friday's whistlestop celebration at the library offers area residents a chance to view the giant tree up close, take photographs with the tree and transport truck, sign the tour banner, and purchase official merchandise. Attendees can also participate in craft activities, make ornaments, and meet members of the team coordinating the tour.
Matthew Condie, a representative from AAA, highlighted the historical importance of the state providing the national tree this season.
“It's been going on for 56 years. They choose a new national forest each time to represent all of the natural beauty we have and how lucky are we that Idaho got picked this time,” Condie said.
Beyond showcasing the Capitol tree, AAA is assisting with convoy operations, ensuring vehicle support such as battery and tire maintenance along the route. Condie joked about protecting the convoy from potential disruptions along the road to Washington.
“So the Grinch has been out there trying to mess with the convoy and Triple A is here to stop that from happening. He is known for this kind of thing, but we're covering batteries and tires and all the things that people expect, so we're protecting the convoys that makes its way to DC,” Condie said.
Condie added that the event tonight promises a festive environment for all who attend.
“It's going to be 2 hours of excitement and lots of good music and fun. Some happy people out there cheering and you know maybe some different guests along the way,” Condie said.
With many local families also planning to cut their own holiday trees this season, Condie offered safety advice for drivers transporting trees home on personal vehicles.
“You want to make sure you tie them down and make sure that you have the bough of the tree toward the front, tie it all off and then give it some tugs from different directions, make sure it's good and secure,” Condie said.
He advised motorists to avoid high speeds when hauling trees on roofs or flatbeds.
“We always say go on those county roads or highways because if you're avoiding the freeway, you're not doing those higher speeds that can maybe cause that tree to come off,” Condie said.
In addition to community stops, Idaho will be represented at the national ceremony by Grace Benson, a fourth-grade student from Salmon, Idaho. Benson won a statewide essay contest answering why healthy forests and clean water are important to Idaho, earning the honor to travel to Washington to assist in lighting the tree on the West Lawn.
Following tonight's stop in Idaho Falls, the tree convoy will continue its whistlestop tour across several states before arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland later this month. The annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the West Lawn of the Capitol in early December.
