100-foot U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to make stop in Lexington

A 100-foot Christmas tree destined for the U.S. Capitol for the holidays will make a stop at Gatton Park on Town Branch on Saturday.

The tree travels across the country from its home in one of the country’s national forests to the Capitol every year. The Silver Belle, which is from the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, will make 10 stops on its way to Washington D.C., including Lexington’s new downtown park.

The Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour 2025 will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday and include free family-friendly entertainment from the Lexington Ringers, the Lexington Singers, the Lexington Theatre Company, thousands of holiday lights, as well as hot cocoa and seasonal sweets.

There will be a free silver bell ornament-making workshop by On The Move Art Studio. All materials are provided,

The event will also double as a food drive. Many of the area’s food pantries and feeding programs have seen a surge in demand after the federal government cut the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP program on Nov. 1, due to the federal government shutdown.

Nearly 600,000 people in Kentucky depend on SNAP to help pay for groceries.

Bank of America is partnering with FoodChain at this event to collect non-perishable food donations such as canned goods, boxed meal mixes and other shelf stable Thanksgiving staples. These items will be distributed via FoodChain in grocery boxes to members of the community.

The Lexington Humane Society will be on site to collect pet-related donations such as dog and cat food, treats, toys and other items.

“It’s so special that Gatton Park was chosen as a location to host the Capitol Christmas tree this year,” said Allison Lankford, CEO of Gatton Park and Conservancy. “People will be able to enjoy charming holiday musical performances and celebrate the warm spirit of the season with opportunities to support our community.”

This event is made possible by Gatton Park on the Town Branch with support from Bank of America, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, VisitLEX, Humbolt-Toiyabe Forest, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Live Green Lexington and University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Learn more at GattonPark.org/Whistlestop.