The 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Chosen from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and sponsored by the Colorado Congressional Delegation led by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet.

November 20, 2020

J. Brett Blanton, 12th Architect of the Capitol, welcomes and accepts the 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.

This year's selection, a 55-foot Engelmann spruce, was harvested on November 5 and arrived at the U.S. Capitol on November 20 after traveling cross-country by truck.

Upon arrival at the U.S. Capitol, the AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team secures the tree and decorates it with thousands of handcrafted ornaments from the people of Colorado.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a time-honored tradition of more than 50 years. Once decorated it will be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through Christmas.

The AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team prepares to move the tree from the truck to the West Front Lawn.

The 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree being placed on the West Front Lawn.

The AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team moves the 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree up the West Front Lawn.

The AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team moves and secures the 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Front Lawn.

Noteworthy Updates

Public Notice

Volume 20 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

The latest edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available. Articles include a feature on Frederick Law Olmsted’s never-built retreat, an employee highlight on interning during COVID, a spotlight on the agency's sustainability efforts and more.

Public Notice

Volume 19 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

The latest edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available. Article themes include Cool Tools, Organizational Transformation, Seasonal Highlight, Doing Good, Project Updates, and Spotlight on Safety.

AGA Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting

Public Notice

A Decade of Excellence – AOC Receives Award for 10th Year in a Row

For the tenth consecutive year, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) received the Association of Government Accountants' (AGA) prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting (CEAR) for its Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Performance and Accountability Report (PAR).

Tholos Magazine, Volume 18, Special Edition.

Public Notice

Special Issue of Tholos Magazine Now Available

A new special edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available.