Capitol Christmas Tree

Every year, a festively decorated tree known as the Capitol Christmas Tree is set up on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Architect of the Capitol's superintendent of the grounds oversees its selection, installation, and decoration. By tradition, the Speaker of the House lights the tree in early December, joined by the winner of an essay contest. The tree glows every night until New Year's Day. Since 1970, the trees have come from various national forests, provided by the U.S. Forest Service. The ceremony ends with the song "O Tannenbaum."