Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives in Washington (photos)

The 2013 Capitol Christmas, an 88-foot-tall Engelmann spruce from Colville National Forest in northeastern Washington State, arrived in Washington, D.C., Nov. 25. The tree spent several weeks on the road visiting 22 communities across the country before arriving at the U.S. Capitol in time for Thanksgiving. It will be decorated by more than 5,000 handmade ornaments, handcrafted by Washingtonians to reflect this year’s theme, “Sharing Washington’s Good Nature.” It will be lit in a ceremony by House Speaker John Boehner, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, on the Capitol’s West Front lawn. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, will serve as master of ceremonies. After the lighting ceremony, the Capitol Christmas Tree will be lit nightly from dusk to 11 p.m. throughout the holiday season. The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964.

View our photos of the arrival by clicking on the photo icons below.