Courtesy Photo The 62-foot spruce donated by Alpena Township residents Mike and Shelly Katto, is illuminated in front of the state Capitol in Lansing during that city’s annual Silver Bells in the City celebration on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. The tree will remain at the Capitol and serve as the official state Christmas tree throughout the holiday season.

LANSING On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) is officially kicking off the search for the tree to grace the Capitol grounds for the 2026 holiday season. DTMB is tasked with the search and harvest of the state Christmas tree and once again asks for the public’s assistance in finding the perfect tree.

Over the last 40 years, trees have come from locations across the state – from backyards to public land near highways and forests. Last year’s 68-foot spruce came from Sault Ste. Marie and was donated by Linda Ried in memory of her grandparents.

“It may feel way too early to be talking about the holiday season, but with warmer weather quickly approaching and before the trees fully leaf out, now the ideal time for Michiganders to spot the perfect tree,” said DTMB Acting Director Kyle Guerrant. “Selecting the state Christmas tree is one of our team’s favorite projects each year, and we always look forward to the lighting during the Silver Bells in the City event.”

To be considered, trees must meet the following criteria:

TYPE: Spruce or fir.

SIZE: At least 60 feet tall with a maximum crown of 24 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches.

ACCESS: Easy access to the road, with no interference from wires.

COST: Available at no cost.

Each year, DTMB works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing in late October. The journey will culminate with a tree-lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 20, at the 42nd Annual Silver Bells in the City celebration in downtown Lansing.

The deadline for tree nominations is Monday, Aug. 17. Individuals who would like to nominate a tree are asked to email their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree, and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov. Tree nominations can also be mailed to the address below.

Christmas Tree Search

Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

Building Operations Division

P.O. Box 30026

Lansing, MI 48909