Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives in Washington, DC The Capitol Christmas Tree has arrived in Washington Once the tree is in place on the U.S. Capitol's west lawn Monday, organizers say it will be decorated with more than 5,000 handmade ornaments from children across the country. A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 3. The tree made stops in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland on its way to the nation's capital from Washington state. The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of cutting and maintaining the tree. Donations cover the cost of transporting the tree across the country. This year's lead sponsors included the Truckload Carriers Association, Mack Trucks, the National Association of Convenience Stores and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.