Big Idea

• The lighting of the Arizona State Capitol Christmas Tree took place on Thursday, December 8, 2022
• The tree was brought from the Coconino National Forest
• The tree was marked for removal to thin forests and reduce the risk of wildfire
• Read more...

The Capitol Tree is Lit!

Governor Doug Ducey this week joined the Chandler High School choir to light the Arizona State Capitol Christmas Tree.

“This ceremony gives us all a shared opportunity to look back on all our blessings,” said Governor Ducey moments before lighting the tree in the lobby of the Executive Tower.

The governor thanked the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Department of Administration, Arizona Healthy Forest Initiative partners, Winslow crew and team who helped bring the tree to the Capitol from the Coconino National Forest.

The tree was marked for removal to thin forests and reduce the risk of wildfire – as part of the Arizona Healthy Forest Initiative, a comprehensive effort aimed at fighting the threat of wildfires in Arizona while expanding opportunities for low-risk inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.

The state, federal, local and private partners for the project included the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, U. S. Forest Service, Salt River Project and City of Payson.

The Chandler High School Treblemakers choir sang five songs, including an Arizona version of “Winter Wonderland,” led by Choral Director Wendy Umbrianna.