White House

Capitol Christmas Tree Illuminated Wednesday Evening

The 60-foot blue spruce traveled to D.C. from New Mexico's Carson National Forest

Capitol Christmas Tree 120419
NBC

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was illuminated Wednesday evening during a lighting ceremony on the West Lawn of the Capitol.

The star of the evening was a 60-foot blue spruce, which traveled to D.C. from New Mexico's Carson National Forest and will be decked out with thousands of handcrafted ornaments from the people of New Mexico.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi lit the tree during Wednesday night's ceremony. The tree will then be lit each night through New Year's Day.

It won't be the week's only high-profile lighting ceremony. The Christmas tree outside the White House will be illuminated during an event Thursday night, but only those who previously obtained tickets during a free lottery will be able to attend. However, D.C. residents and visitors will be able to view a lighting display nightly on the White House Ellipse from Dec. 9 to New Year's Day. Called the Pathway of Peace, the walkway surrounding the tree will feature 56 state and territory trees decorated with unique handmade ornaments. 

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