Gov. Evers Celebrates Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with members of the Evers Administration, today celebrated the annual Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol. During the event, the governor welcomed guest speakers from around the state, honoring this year’s theme, “The Learning Tree.”

Speakers included Rodney Esser, or “Mr. Peanuts,” head custodian at Park Elementary School, who has spent 60 years with the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District; Green Bay West High School Teacher Ellie Hinz-Radue; and Ellie Mason, a student from John Muir Middle School in Wausau, as well as musical performances by the Kids From Wisconsin and La Crosse Central High School.

Honoring the theme, “The Learning Tree,” this year, Gov. Evers 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.

“Each year, the State Capitol Holiday Tree serves as the centerpiece of our holiday celebrations at the State Capitol, and this year’s theme, ‘The Learning Tree,’ honors and celebrates those 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,” said Gov. Evers. “I want to thank all the students who contributed ornaments to make our tree festive and bright. I encourage Wisconsinites and travelers from near and far to come visit the Wisconsin State Capitol this holiday season to see it for themselves.”

The Capitol Holiday Tree is displayed in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol building throughout the holiday season, serving as a centerpiece of festivity for those visiting and working at the Capitol. This year, the 30-foot balsam fir was donated by Dave and Mary Vander Velden, the retired owners of Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto County. Dave and Mary Vander Velden also donated the holiday tree currently on display at the Wisconsin Executive Residence. This year’s trees were harvested by Henry Schienebeck and members of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA), in partnership with the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

On Wednesday, the governor and first lady also welcomed guests to the Executive Residence to kick off the holiday season. In addition to the central tree donated by Dave and Mary Vander Velden, decorations showcased on the exterior of the Executive Residence also feature wreaths from the co-grand champion 2025 WCTPA Wreath Contest Winners: 4 Mile Tree Farm and Ottman Tree Farms. Additionally, as part of a long-standing tradition, the Governor’s Conference Room at the Capitol also features a tree grown by Ron and Sue Swan of Swan’s Christmas Trees in Mosinee, winners of the 2025 WCTPA Tree Contest.

“We are honored to have Wisconsin-grown Christmas trees and wreaths showcased at the State Capitol and Governor’s Executive Residence—a true reflection of the care, craftsmanship, and multigenerational pride of our state’s growers,” said WCTPA Executive Director Sarah Glitto. “Each year, our members look forward to contributing to this beloved tradition, and we are grateful to Governor Evers and his team for celebrating the hard work of Wisconsin farm families.”

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. Voting closed on December 1, and winners will be announced on Wed., Dec. 10, 2025.

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.

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.