Menu
Ornament Ideas and Past Ornament Gallery
Ornament Making Events - Coming Soon
Drop Off Locations
View Ornament Flyer

Make an ornament

OVERVIEW

The Alaska Region of the Forest Service, the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, are honored to have been selected to provide the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. This tree will not only represent Alaska’s National Forests but also the great state of Alaska. We need your help in making over 10,000 handmade ornaments to decorate the US Capitol Christmas Tree and up to 48 companion trees.

3,500 Large Ornaments for the US Capitol Christmas Tree

These ornaments will be used outdoors and should be made from lightweight, durable materials. Ornaments should be:

  •  Approximately 9 to 12 inches
  • Weatherproof to withstand the elements – wind, rain & snow
  • Colorful and Reflective

6,500 Smaller Ornaments Needed for Companion Trees

These ornaments will be used to decorate trees indoors throughout federal buildings in Washington DC. Ornaments should be:

  •  Approximately 8 to 10 inches – 500 ornaments
  •  Approximately 4 to 6 inches – 6,000 ornaments
  •  Lightweight and colorful

HOW TO SUBMIT

All ornaments should be submitted to the Forest Service no later than September 30, 2024.  Ornaments can be dropped off at any Alaska National Forest office or mailed to:

2024 Capitol Christmas Tree Ornaments

161 East 1st Avenue, Door 8

Anchorage, AK 99501

SUGGESTED THEMES FOR ORNAMENTS:

  • Uniquely Alaska – capture what truly makes Alaska “The Great Land”
  • People– showcase the diversity and rich cultures of people who call Alaska home
  • Places – highlight the iconic landscapes and special places in Alaska
  • Flora & Fauna – feature the diversity of plants and animals of Alaska
  • Outdoors –showcase the multitude of ways Alaskans enjoy their public lands
  • Forest Service Icons –celebrate Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear on his 80th birthday

GUIDELINES FOR ALL ORNAMENTS:

  • All ornaments should reflect the above themes
  • Should use natural recyclable, or repurposed materials as much as possible
  • May not include any sharp materials that would pose a danger to cutting or nicking the tree lighting wires
  • Ornaments will not be returned

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Click here if you would like more information about the US Capitol Christmas Tree or click here to see a listing of all drop off locations in Alaska. 

For questions related to ornaments, please contact Annette Heckart at annette.heckart@usda.gov