MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that the theme of the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is “The Year of the Neighbor.” Gov. Evers declared 2026 the “Year of the Neighbor” to spend his final year in office celebrating all the neighbors who help make Wisconsin the great place it is to call home. Continuing that theme throughout the holiday season, the governor is inviting students to contribute handmade ornaments celebrating the neighbors who help make their lives better and what being a good neighbor means to them. 

“Over my nearly eight years as governor, I’ve had the immense privilege to travel across the state and meet Wisconsin’s neighbors in their homes, communities, schools, businesses, and more—and let me tell you, each Wisconsinite I meet makes me more and more proud to be governor of this wonderful state,” wrote Gov. Evers in a letter sent to students and educators. “So, I am excited to announce that the theme of the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is ‘The Year of the Neighbor’ to honor all the neighbors across our state, like all of you, who make Wisconsin the extraordinary place it is.”

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. Last year, Wisconsin’s 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.” 

This year, students are encouraged to make ornaments that reflect what being a good neighbor means to them, as well as all the neighbors they know and love. All students and families are welcome to submitornaments for “The Year of the Neighbor” tree and should mail ornaments by Fri., Nov. 20, 2026, to: 

Emily Gorman    
Wisconsin Department of Administration    
Division of Facilities and Transportation Services   
17 West Main Street, Suite 119    
Madison, WI 53703

Students are asked to make ornaments from non-breakable material. They must be strong enough to hold up during shipping and to be handled while the tree is being decorated. It is recommended that students do not use fragile items or paper cutouts that may tear easily, and that ornaments are 4-6 inches in size and are made from a color that contrasts with the color of the tree so they can easily be seen and enjoyed by all visitors. Please attach a ten-inch loop of ribbon or string from which each ornament will hang. 

If you have any questions about an ornament, please contact the Facilities Management Information Center at (608) 266-1485. Please note that ornaments will not be returned.
 
An online version of this release is available here.