IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It may still be September, but Michigan is already getting into the Christmas spirit! A towering 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula has been selected as the state’s official 2026 Christmas tree.

Donated by the Larry Riccio family, the spruce will become the 40th official Christmas tree to grace the Capitol lawn, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

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“When we first bought our house in 1986, the tree was quite large but now it has outgrown the property,” Riccio said. “Our family is excited and honored to donate this year’s tree.”

From the U.P. to Lansing

The spruce will be harvested November 5 and make its grand entrance in downtown Lansing on Saturday, November 7. Local Boy Scout troops will help untie the tree before a crane lifts it into place.

This marks the second Christmas tree donated from Iron Mountain and the 26th from the Upper Peninsula since the Capitol tradition began in 1987.

Let There Be Christmas Lights!

The holiday magic officially begins Friday, November 20, during the 42nd annual Silver Bells in the City celebration. Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate the towering spruce at approximately 7:30 p.m., kicking off Michigan’s holiday season in spectacular fashion.