The 2025 Capitol Christmas Tree tour kicks off by the hand of Knight-Swift

The nearly 3,000-mile journey of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree began with a special celebration at the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City.

The month of November began with a strong Christmas spirit, as on the 1st of the month the famous and much-anticipated journey of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree began. Over the next three weeks, the tree will visit different states across the country until it reaches its destination on November 20, where a full celebration will be held to officially kick off the Christmas season.

This year, the tree will be transported on a Kenworth T680, featuring a design that pays tribute to the “Spirit of the Silver State,” with a backdrop depicting the sunset over Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, home of the selected tree.

Silver Belle: the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The nearly 3,000-mile journey of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree began with a special celebration at the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. The carefully selected 53-foot red spruce was nicknamed “Silver Belle,” and it will continue its tour across the United States, spreading holiday cheer to the selected cities along its route.

The Silver Belle will be transported on a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper cab and the PACCAR powertrain with the PACCAR MX-13 engine, providing comfort for the driver, who this year has the honor (and responsibility) of delivering the tree to the Capitol. The selected driver is Michael Porter, based at Swift Transportation’s terminal in Phoenix, Arizona, known for his enthusiasm for driving and his reputation for professionalism and service. Knight-Swift will handle the transportation of the tree, while Southwest Airlines will help carry thousands of handmade ornaments crafted by Nevada residents, according to the Capitol’s official statement.

Kenworth will also provide real-time GPS tracking of the Capitol Christmas Tree through its TruckTech+ connected truck technology. Starting November 1, the tree’s journey can be followed via an interactive map on the official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.

Official route of the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The Silver Belle will travel through 12 cities before reaching its destination. Below is the updated public schedule for the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour:

Saturday, November 1: Nevada Day Parade / Carson City, Nevada
Sunday, November 2: Lovelock and Elko, Nevada
Monday, November 3: Ely, Nevada
Tuesday, November 4: Las Vegas, Nevada
Friday, November 7: Flagstaff, Arizona
Saturday, November 8: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sunday, November 9: Amarillo, Texas
Monday, November 10: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tuesday, November 11: Lenexa, Kansas
Wednesday, November 12: St. Louis, Missouri
Friday, November 14: Paducah, Kentucky
Saturday, November 15: Lexington, Kentucky

Once installed at the Capitol, a tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for early December, organized by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

For more details about this annual event, visit the official U.S. Capitol website.