Wisconsin Unveils 2026 Capitol Holiday Tree Theme: 'The Year of the Neighbor,' Invites Handmade Ornaments From Students and Families
Madison, Wisconsin — Governor Tony Evers announced on October 28 that the theme of the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is "The Year of the Neighbor," inviting students and families across the state to make handmade ornaments and send them to the governor's office to decorate this year's tree. Ornaments must be received by November 20.
According to the governor's office, ornaments should be between 4 and 6 inches in size and will not be returned; selected ornaments will hang on this year's Capitol Holiday Tree, on display at the State Capitol during the holiday season. This year's theme echoes the "Year of the Neighbor" that Evers declared for 2026, celebrating the neighbors and communities that make Wisconsin a great place to call home.
The Capitol Holiday Tree is an annual holiday-season tradition in Wisconsin, and its ornaments have long been handmade by students from across the state. Last year's Capitol Holiday Tree was ranked No. 7 in the nation.
Ornaments should be mailed by November 20, 2026 to: Emily Gorman, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Facilities and Transportation Services, 17 West Main Street, Suite 119, Madison, WI 53703; questions: (608) 266-1485. Ornaments should be made of non-breakable material, sized 4–6 inches in a color that contrasts with the tree, with a ten-inch ribbon or string loop for hanging, and will not be returned. The tree stands in the Capitol rotunda through the holiday season; last year it ranked No. 7 nationally in USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for "Best Public Holiday Lights Display."
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于 Madison 的威斯康星州议会大厦。Michael Barera 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Photo by Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
