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ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona Capitol Christmas tree, a 30-foot pinyon pine, harvested near Peach Springs

The 2025 Arizona State Capitol Christmas tree was harvested on Monday near Peach Springs, Arizona.

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PHOENIX — The 2025 Arizona State Capitol Christmas tree was harvested on Monday near Peach Springs, Arizona.

The 30-foot pinyon pine was a gift from the Hualapai Tribe to the state to celebrate the season and the tribe’s deep ties to their land.

“I’m grateful to the Hualapai Tribe for this generous gift to the people of Arizona,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a press release. “As we celebrate the holiday season, the Capitol Christmas tree will stand as a symbol of the extraordinary landscape that makes up this state and a powerful reminder of the strong partnerships between the state and tribal communities in Arizona.”

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The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management helped the tribe pick and harvest the tree. It was selected for its shape, vibrant coloration and strong connection to the Grand Canyon State’s traditional landscape.

After its arrival, the tree will be decorated and put on display in the Capitol’s Rotunda. However, the official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place on Dec. 1 at the Executive Tower.

More details on Arizona Capitol Christmas tree

Pinyon pines are often colored green or blue-green and some even have pops of yellow. The tree thrives at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet.

In addition, the tree produces seeds called pine nuts, which are not only edible but a historically significant food source in the Southwest.

For the Hualapai Tribe, the pinyon pine reflects a deep cultural significance given its name means “people of the tall pines.”

The tribe’s reservation is comprised of almost 1 million acres that stretches along 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. The area includes three northern Arizona counties: Coconino, Yavapai and Mohave.

“The Hualapai people are proud to offer this beautiful example of our tribe’s natural resources as a gift to the people of Arizona as well as celebrate the Christmas season,” Hualapai Tribe Chairman Duane Clark said. “May this holiday season fill our land, air and water with the powerful bond of caring and encouragement.”

Kylie Werner KTAR.com editor

Kylie Werner is a web content editor for KTAR.com. Werner is from Bonita, California, or just 15 minutes south of San Diego. Since graduating from the Cronkite school in December 2023, she has spent her time covering local and hyperlocal news for… Read more

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