Want To See Your Tree Shine As Part Of New York’s Capitol Holiday Celebration?

The weather is getting cooler, and soon there will be Christmas decorations and the spirit of the holidays everywhere. Locally, you could contribute to the festivities and donate a tree from your Capital Region yard.

The holidays are coming, and New York State is on the lookout for two big, beautiful spruce trees to shine in front of the Capitol this season.

One tree will stand tall in East Capitol Park, and the other will be placed near the skating rink on the Empire State Plaza. Both will be removed at no cost to the property owner in mid-November and then lit up in December as part of the state’s holiday tree lighting celebration.

For years, families across the Capital Region have generously donated these stunning trees, and they’ve become a cherished tradition that brings joy to everyone who visits the Capitol during the holidays.

If you think your spruce could be part of the celebration, here’s what the state is looking for: a tree between thirty-five and fifty-five feet tall, easily accessible, and clear of power lines. Trees located close to the Capital Region are especially helpful.

If you’d like to have your tree considered, reach out to Kevin Ciampi at OGS by emailing Kevin.Ciampi@ogs.ny.gov. Be sure to include your name, the address where the tree is located, a photo of the tree, and a phone number where you can be reached.