The Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree nationally ranks No. 7, according to USA Today’s 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for the “Best Public Holiday Lights Display.”
“The Capitol Holiday Tree really makes the Wisconsin State Capitol building a magical place during the holiday season, and we’re incredibly grateful for all of the folks who help make it happen,” says Gov. Tony Evers.
This year, Dave and Mary Vander Velden, the retired owners of Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto County, donated the 30-foot balsam fir. The Vander Veldens also donated the holiday tree on display at the Wisconsin Executive Residence. This year’s trees were harvested by Henry Schienebeck and members of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, in partnership with the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Each year, the Capitol Holiday Tree is decorated with handmade ornaments from kids, students, and families from every corner of the state. The 2025 Capitol Holiday Tree theme is the “Learning Tree.” It honors educators, child care providers, and all others who support students.
“The Capitol Holiday Tree is one of our most beloved traditions,” says DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “We’re so proud to have it recognized on a national stage, and I commend the dedicated work by our facilities staff that bring the holiday tree to life each year for everyone to enjoy.”
Hear a previous interview with Mid-West Farm Report about how the tree is brought into the Rotunda:
Visitors can view the tree throughout the holiday season during visitor hours. The Capitol is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The Capitol Holiday Tree will be on display through the end of the year.
Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Continue To Shine
In addition to the central tree donated by Dave and Mary Vander Velden, decorations showcased on the exterior of the Executive Residence also feature wreaths from the co-grand champion 2025 WCTPA Wreath Contest Winners: 4 Mile Tree Farm and Ottman Tree Farms.
Additionally, as part of a long-standing tradition, the Governor’s Conference Room at the Capitol also features a tree grown by Ron and Sue Swan of Swan’s Christmas Trees in Mosinee, winners of the 2025 WCTPA Tree Contest.
“We are honored to have Wisconsin-grown Christmas trees and wreaths showcased at the State Capitol and Governor’s Executive Residence—a true reflection of the care, craftsmanship, and multigenerational pride of our state’s growers,” says WCTPA Executive Director Sarah Glitto. “Each year, our members look forward to contributing to this beloved tradition, and we are grateful to Governor Evers and his team for celebrating the hard work of Wisconsin farm families.”
