By Jamie Martin
A family-owned Christmas tree farm in Wisconsin has earned national attention after being selected to provide the 2026 Official White House Christmas Tree.
The tree was chosen during a ceremony at Silent Night Evergreens in Endeavor, Wisconsin, where White House Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney selected a concolor fir for placement in the White House Blue Room. The tree stands about 30 feet tall and will be harvested later this year before being prepared for display in Washington, D.C.
The selection recognizes the achievements of David and Leah Chapman, whose farm recently gained national recognition through the National Christmas Tree Association's National Grand Champion contest. Their success reflects years of dedication to producing high-quality Christmas trees and supporting the industry.
While the championship entry was a balsam fir, officials selected another tree from the farm for the White House. The chosen concolor fir will serve as the centerpiece of one of the most visited holiday displays in the country.
“I’ve been to the White House a few times, but it’s still an amazing experience. And this year, especially, we’re taking my young daughters,” said Chapman.
This is not the first time Silent Night Evergreens has received the prestigious honor. The farm previously supplied White House Christmas trees in 1998, 2003, and 2017. The latest achievement further strengthens the family's long-standing reputation in the Christmas tree sector.
The event attracted growers, community members, students, industry representatives, and guests. Family participation was a key part of the celebration, with the Chapmans' daughters, Madilyn and Reagan, helping introduce their parents during the ceremony.
Educational activities were also included as part of the day. Students participating in Wisconsin Agriculture on the Classroom field trip visited the farm and learned more about Christmas tree production and the agricultural practices involved in raising market-ready trees.
The tree's journey is far from complete. It will be harvested in November with assistance from the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. After harvesting, the tree will be transported by FedEx Freight to the nation's capital, where it will be installed in preparation for the holiday season.
The Blue Room Christmas Tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of the White House holiday celebration and is viewed by thousands of visitors each year.
“The blue room tree, you know, it sits in the middle of a room, so there’s no back. Everything’s the front. So the tree’s really gotta be perfect, almost perfect,” said Haney.
For the Chapman family, honor represents more than professional recognition. It celebrates generations of involvement in Christmas tree farming and reflects the values of family agriculture, quality production, and community support.
The achievement also shines a spotlight on the broader Christmas tree industry and the growers who work year-round to provide holiday trees for families and public displays. As the 2026 holiday season approaches, the selected tree will stand as a symbol of agricultural excellence and a proud accomplishment for a Wisconsin farm family.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association
Categories: National