America’s Official Christmas Tree: Selection & Rotation Tradition

Selection Process

Each July, the U.S. Forest Service invites all 155 national forests to nominate one conifer (pine, fir, spruce, hemlock) meeting criteria: ≥60 ft tall, symmetrical, healthy.

A committee chooses the winner; it’s cut, shipped to Washington, D.C., decorated, and displayed on the Ellipse near the White House.

Why Rotate Annually?

• Started 1923 (Coolidge requested tree from Black Hills, SD).
• Spreads holiday spirit nationwide.
• Showcases diversity of national forests.
• Boosts tourism/economy in winning community.