Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree Once Again Nominated for USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award
Voting Open Through November 30, Holiday Tree Theme is Year of the Neighbor
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Capitol holiday tree has once again been nominated for Best Public Holiday Lights Display by USA Today editors and a panel of subject matter experts as part of the 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Last year, the Capitol Holiday Tree was ranked #7 nationwide. Voting is now open to the public through Monday, November 30 at 11:59am EST.
“I have been proud to be the Governor for all Wisconsin neighbors over the past eight years, and I’m excited to once again have our Capitol Holiday Tree recognized nationally as a centerpiece that welcomes thousands of visitors each year to our magnificent Capitol,” said Governor Evers. “We take pride in ensuring that our Capitol is open and enjoyed by Wisconsinites and visitors alike as folks enjoy the holiday season and take in Wisconsin’s amazing State Capitol building.”
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. The tree, usually a 35-foot balsam fir generously donated by a Wisconsin family, has been traditionally adorned by thousands of handmade ornaments made by students in public and private schools across Wisconsin, each crafted in response to an annual theme celebrating what makes Wisconsin unique. More than 2,000 energy-saving multicolored LED lights illuminate the tree, and the official 2026 tree lighting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 1 at noon.
The theme of the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is ‘The Year of the Neighbor’, and 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. Ornaments are due by November 20, 2026.
To cast your vote for the Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree, visit the USA Today BEST 10 page to submit your vote by November 30. 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. Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 3.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Administration
Gov Evers and DOA Release Continuous Improvement Report Showcasing Stewardship of State Resources
Oct 12th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of AdministrationReport highlights record savings and impact for state government operations
State of Wisconsin Awarded Highest Recognition for Financial Reporting for 30th Year in a Row
Sep 10th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of AdministrationWisconsin Continues to Lead on Fiscal Stewardship Under Gov. Evers
Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month
Sep 2nd, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Administration2027 Coastal Management Grant Applications and 2026 Great Lakes Chronicle Out Now
