2025 Christmas Tree arrives at Texas Capitol

Christmas has officially arrived in Texas, ushered in by one of the state’s oldest and most charming traditions, the delivery of the Texas Capitol Christmas trees.

   The ceremony, now more than a century old, began back in 1917 when the very first Capitol Christmas tree was delivered to honor Texas soldiers fighting in World War I. More than 100 years later, the tradition is still going strong.

   This week, First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of the Texas House Elisabeth Burrows, and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw were on hand as two tall pines rolled up to the Capitol by horse-drawn carriage. Both First Ladies shared a few words about the historic celebration and how it marks the start of the holiday season in true Texas fashion.

   The trees delivered Monday aren’t the ones that will sit inside the House and Senate chambers. The House’s official tree, a towering 28-foot Virginia pine, arrived on Nov. 26. “It was definitely an experience watching them get this tree inside,” Burrows said with a laugh. “It’s the largest tree we’ve ever had in the House chamber.”

   Burrows also helps lead another beloved Capitol tradition: the annual Texas Capitol ornament. This year’s design is a nod to the original 1995 ornament created by the late Laney Nelda, former Texas House First Lady and fellow Lubbock native. “Over the past 30 years, these ornaments have raised over $28 million for the State Preservation Board,” Burrows noted. “It feels like a full-circle moment.”

   The fun continues Friday when all 150 Texas House members will hang district-themed ornaments on the massive tree. Burrows said at least one ornament will honor Nelda and her legacy. “We made a special little insert with photos of Ms. Nelda hanging her ornament and me hanging mine,” she said. “For folks from Lubbock, it’s a really special moment.”

The 2025 Capitol ornament is available online and at the Texas Capitol Gift Shop, just in time for holiday decorating.