Search Underway for 2026 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree
Annual Tradition Continues with Search for the City’s 113th Christmas Tree
Summer may be just be winding down, but the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is already looking ahead to the holiday season. The search is officially underway for the perfect tree to serve as the 2026 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree.
In partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, this year’s tree will once again be displayed in the heart of the Deer District just outside Fiserv Forum, where it will serve as the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s holiday celebration.
DPW is now accepting nominations from Milwaukee residents and property owners who think they may have a tree worthy of becoming the city’s next Christmas tree. Eligible trees must be located within the City of Milwaukee. The ideal tree should be at least 30 feet tall and will be evaluated based on its size, shape, uniformity, density and color. The tree must also be accessible for harvest by crane, with no overhead wires or other obstacles that could interfere with removal.
Once the winning tree is selected, the search will give way to another highlight of Milwaukee’s holiday season, the Christmas tree harvest. Using crane, DPW Forestry staff will carefully bring the towering tree down and load it onto a flat-bed trailer, where it will receive a police escort to its new home downtown. Staff will later grind the stump and restore the site with soil and grass seed.
After installation, the tree will be decorated in partnership with Milwaukee entertaining and style expert David Caruso and lit during the City’s annual tree lighting ceremony in November. The donors of the winning tree will have a special role in the celebration, joining Mayor Cavalier Johnson for the tree lighting.
Residents who would like to have their tree considered should contact the City of Milwaukee by calling 414-286-CITY (2489) by Friday, September 25, 2026. All nominated trees will be evaluated, and one will be selected to become this year’s City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree.
One special tree will soon become the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s holiday season, lighting up the Deer District and bringing a little Christmas magic to the city. The search is on.
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.
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