2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Makes Only Arizona Stop on National Tour at Flagstaff Mall

The 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree - a 53-foot red fir named "Silver Belle" - will make its only stop in Arizona at Flagstaff Mall at a community celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, as it travels cross-country on a tour that culminates with the tree going on display on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The tour visit, presented in partnership with Discover Flagstaff, will bring together community businesses and organizations including Bearizona, Snowbowl, Salvation Army and more, adding to the excitement as Northern Arizona residents and guests gather to mark this momentous occasion kicking off the holiday season.

Attendees will be able to put a personal mark on the national tour by signing banners affixed to the sides of the transport truck; the banners will accompany the tree as it travels across the nation to the U.S. Capitol. Guests at the community celebration will also be able to pose for a photo with Silver Belle, in addition to photo opps with Santa. Hot chocolate will be available from Old World Style Almonds, and Mi Tesoro will offer Silver Belle drink specials with a special commemorative silver bell.

Kids can create their own snowman ornaments to hang on trees at home, and mall retailers will be offering a variety of discounts, specials and prize giveaways, including a grand prize from Frederick Fisher Jewelers. Each guest 18 and older will receive one entry for a giveaway. Those who bring an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army Angel Tree or a canned food item for Flagstaff Family Food Center will receive an additional entry for each item donated.

This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree comes from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition began in 1964 when the Speaker of the House placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. Since 1970, the USDA Forest Service has been providing a tree from one of America’s 154 national forests.

This 55-year tradition is made possible with support from partners including nonprofits Society of American Foresters and Sierra Forever, along with contributions from companies and volunteers across America. Prior to the visit in Flagstaff, the tree will make stops at multiple destinations in Nevada, as well as New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland before it reaches the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Community partners participating in prize giveaways during the event include Elevated Pizza Co, Lucy's Burgers, Mi Tesoro, Dillard's, Levitate Adventure Park, Lowell Observatory, Arizona Snowbowl, Holiday Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Light Display compliments of Shadows Foundation, Bearizona, The Orpheum Theater, Theatrikos Theatre Company and Frederick Fisher Jewelers, which will present a grand prize.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree community celebration is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary, and ample parking is available at Flagstaff Mall.

Flagstaff Mall, an enclosed shopping center serving all of Northern Arizona and conveniently located along Route 66, hosts a collection of more than 50 stores including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Hobby Lobby, Bath and Body Works, Foot Locker, Barnes and Noble and Maurices, as well as a selection of popular locally owned shops. The mall is a community hub and the site of numerous free family-friendly events and activities throughout the year. Shoppers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi, convenient mobile device charging stations and a wide selection of eateries in the Food Court. Learn more by visiting flagstaffmall.com.

Category: Attractions