Capitol Christmas Tree

The Capitol Christmas Tree arrives after a 4,000 mile journey.

The Capitol Christmas Tree arrives after a 4,000 mile journey.

Workers hoist the tree before placing it on the West Front lawn of the Capitol.

Workers hoist the tree before placing it on the West Front lawn of the Capitol.

The tree is positioned on the West Front Lawn with the U.S. Capitol in the background.

The tree is positioned on the West Front Lawn with the U.S. Capitol in the background.

House Speaker Paul Ryan

House Speaker Paul Ryan

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers

The United States Army Band

The United States Army Band

10-year old Anna DeVolld of Alaska and House Speaker Paul Ryan light the tree

10-year old Anna DeVolld of Alaska and House Speaker Paul Ryan light the tree

The Capitol Christmas Tree with the Washington Monument in the background

The Capitol Christmas Tree with the Washington Monument in the background

The tree in front of the U.S. Capitol which is encased in scaffolding during restoration work.

The tree in front of the U.S. Capitol which is encased in scaffolding during restoration work.

74-foot tall tree illuminates the West Front Lawn of the Capitol

Accompanied by a 10-year old essay contest winner, House Speaker Paul Ryan lit the 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on December 3, 2015.

The tree is from the Chugach National Forest and traveled 4,000 miles to the Capitol. The U.S. Forest Service provided the tree, as it has done for the past 45-years.

The 10-year old, Anna DeVolld of Alaska, won a statewide essay contest that explained why the tree is an appropriate symbol of Alaska. You can read more about her essay on the website of the Architect of the Capitol.