MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree was nationally ranked No. 7 by USA Today as part of the 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for the “Best Public Holiday Lights Display.” Awardees were chosen from a pool of candidates across the nation through a public voting system, which closed December 1. Nominees were selected by USA Today 10BEST editors and a panel of subject matter experts.
“We’re really jazzed to see Wisconsin’s Capitol Holiday Tree receive well-deserved national recognition, especially as this year’s ‘Learning Tree’ theme celebrates our dedicated education professionals, bus drivers, school nurses, food service staff, and so many others who are committed to doing what’s best for our kids every day, ” said Gov. Evers. “There’s no question that part of what makes Wisconsin’s Capitol Holiday Tree so special is that the tree is decorated with handmade, one-of-a-kind ornaments sent in from Wisconsin’s kids every year. 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. Be sure to stop by the Capitol between now and New Year’s to check it out!”
The Capitol Holiday Tree is displayed in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol building throughout the holiday season and serves as a centerpiece of festivity for those visiting and working at the Capitol. 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, which was selected by Gov. Evers, is the “Learning Tree,” honoring Wisconsin’s educators, child care providers, administrators, custodians, school bus drivers, counselors, librarians, school staff, tutors, mentors, after-school program teachers, and all the heroes in their lives who help them learn and support, educate, empower, and inspire them. Gov. Evers, who began the year declaring 2025 the Year of the Kid in Wisconsin, has spent his entire career fighting for Wisconsin’s kids and K-12 public schools, first beginning as a science teacher and going on to become a principal, superintendent, and state superintendent before becoming governor.
The Wisconsin Departments of Administration (DOA) and Tourism both celebrated the Capitol Holiday Tree’s recognition and encouraged Wisconsinites and anyone visiting Wisconsin during the holiday season to go see the Capitol Holiday Tree display at the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
“The Capitol Holiday Tree is one of our most beloved traditions. 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,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld.
“Wisconsin’s iconic State Capitol is a top attraction for visitors year-round, and the Capitol Holiday Tree provides an extra special opportunity for visitors and residents to create memories with loved ones,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “This recognition is another reason to put Wisconsin, and our beautiful Wisconsin Capitol, on the list of must-visit places to experience the magic of the holiday season.”
Last week, Gov. Evers hosted the annual Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with members of the Evers Administration and special guests, including Wisconsin educators and students, in the Capitol Rotunda. During the event, the governor welcomed guest speakers from around the state, honoring this year’s theme, “The Learning Tree.”
Visitors can view the tree at the Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and 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. Capitol hours and information are available here.
An online version of this release is available here.
