After years of planning and a festive cross-country trip, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was lit Tuesday night in a magical ceremony that marked the start of the Christmas season. For more than 50 years, a towering Christmas tree has graced the West Front Lawn of the U.S. White House for the holidays, but this year’s immense monument is something truly special.

Overlooking the grounds and the guarding the capitol with its rich green needles and stately, cone-shaped appearance, this 80-foot tree is only the second People’s Tree that has come straight from Idaho – the first was in 1964. Even more notable is that it was driven across the nation by a local Idahoan, and lit by a Boise student. In fact, the incredible journey that this homegrown beauty took to get from Idaho to Washington D.C. is truly inspiring.

The Payette National Forest is a woodsy Idaho haven that is most beloved for its views of scenic Payette Lake.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Although the mountain views and snowy treescapes are rather breathtaking on their own, as well!
It was right here that the 2016 Capitol Christmas Tree was chosen, harvested, and prepared for its lengthy journey to the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Idaho's 80-foot Engelmann Spruce is a show-stopper, without a doubt! But to be chosen for this monumental White House honor, every tree must pass a rigorous test and meet a set of requirements. Naturally, Idaho's tree passed with flying colors, and tops the charts in size and weight for trees historically displayed at the Capitol.
But Idaho's homegrown tree destined for the east coast had a few stops to make along the way.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Starting in its hometown of McCall.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Every ceremony along the Capitol Christmas Tree Tour was full of delighted residents and bustling festivities.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Santa, his elves, Mrs.Claus, and a host of favorite winter activities and foods all made an appearance.
Revelers even had the opportunity to sign the tarp that covered a portion of the climate-controlled truck.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Plus, many took selfies of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook

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But every step of the tree's journey also offered plenty of photo opportunities in Idaho's most iconic locations.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
With its sandstone facade and photogenic dome, the Idaho State Capitol foreshadowed what was to await Idaho's tree in D.C.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
And the crossing of the Perrine Bridge marked the last phase of the tree's Idaho tour.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
After leaving Idaho, the Capitol Christmas Tree made stops in Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, and 20 major cities before arriving in Maryland.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Finally, Idaho's tree arrived at the White House front lawn.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
With much fanfare, over 18,000 handmade ornaments and 30,000 lights gently hung upon every needled branch, and the lights switched on.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree/Facebook
Each ornament was lovingly crafted in Idaho by local residents, depicting the fruits, symbols, and gemstones that Idaho is renowned for: the Star Garnet, the Hagerman Trout, the huckleberry, and more.

If you missed the live broadcast of the lighting ceremony, you can watch the full video below!

Idaho’s homegrown tree has made quite the epic journey over the past month – and so many memories were made in the process! Did you get to see this chart-topping giant in person, or help create one of the 18,000 ornaments? We’d love to hear your stories!

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