Gov. Evers Announces Theme for 2025 State Capitol Holiday Tree, Invites Students and Families to Create Ornaments Celebrating Wisconsins Educators and School Support Staff

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced “The Learning Tree” as the theme for the 2025 State Capitol Holiday Tree and invited students to contribute handmade ornaments celebrating and thanking 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 2025 by declaring it 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.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 2025 the Year of the Kid during this holiday season than by giving thanks and gratitude to all those who are on the frontlines of doing what’s best for our kids across our state every day. It’s important that we recognize all those who play important roles in our kids’ lives and help them learn, grow, and be the best people they can be,” wrote Gov. Evers in a letter sent to students and educators. “So, I’m really excited to announce that the theme of the 2025 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is ‘The Learning Tree’ to honor our educators, administrators, custodians, librarians, child care providers, school bus drivers, food service staff, and so many others who play a critical role in helping ensure our kids can bring their best and fullest selves to the classroom to learn each and every day.”

“To engage with this theme, I encourage students to think about what learning means to them, as well as all of the good people in their lives who help make sure they can learn, be their best selves, and have fun,” Gov. Evers continued. “Kathy and I are both really looking forward to seeing all of the amazing ornaments kids from across Wisconsin will be sending in to help decorate the tree in the Capitol this year to help celebrate learning and the people who help make it happen.”

Wisconsin’s Capitol Holiday Tree was nominated by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Holiday Lights Display this year, based on recommendations from a panel of experts. To cast your vote for the Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree, visit the USA Today 10BEST page and select Best Public Holiday Lights Display to submit your vote by December 1. Votes may be submitted by individuals 18 or older, and are limited to 1 vote per person, per category, per day. See additional rules for details here. Winners will be announced on Wed., Dec. 10, 2025.

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. This year, students are encouraged to make ornaments that reflect what Wisconsin’s educators and all those who help keep Wisconsin’s schools running mean to them.

All students and families are welcome to submit ornaments for “The Learning Tree” and should mail ornaments by Fri., Nov. 21, 2025, 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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.