Silent Night Evergreens welcomes White House officials for 2026 tree selection
A Wisconsin Christmas tree farm is preparing for a special visit as White House representatives travel to the state to select the 2026 Official White House Christmas Tree.
The selection event will take place on September 21 at Silent Night Evergreens in Endeavor, Wisconsin. White House Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney will lead the visit and help choose the tree that will eventually be displayed in the White House during the holiday season.
The opportunity comes after Silent Night Evergreens earned the title of the 2026 Grand Champion Grower at the National Christmas Tree Association's (NCTA) National Tree Contest. Winning the prestigious competition also gives the farm the honor of presenting the Official White House Christmas Tree.
The Chapman family, owners of Silent Night Evergreens, has a long record of success in the Christmas tree industry. Their dedication to producing high-quality trees has resulted in multiple national championships over the years. Their 2026 winning entry, a Balsam fir, secured another major achievement for the family and the farm.
The September 21 event will begin with a short ceremony featuring agriculture and industry leaders. Speakers are expected to include representatives from the National Christmas Tree Association, the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, state agriculture advocates, and local leaders. Following the ceremony, White House officials will inspect several trees before selecting the one that will represent the nation during the holiday season.
The chosen tree may be displayed in prominent areas of the White House, including consideration for the famous Blue Room, which traditionally showcases the centerpiece holiday tree.
The selection process highlights the important role that Christmas tree growers play in American agriculture. Across the country, family farms work year-round to care for and harvest trees that become part of holiday celebrations. The White House tree tradition provides national recognition for these growers and their contributions to rural communities.
According to organizers, winners of the National Christmas Tree Association's national contest have supplied the Official White House Christmas Tree since 1966. The tradition has become one of the most recognized honors in the Christmas tree industry.
Once the tree is selected, it will continue growing on the farm until shortly before it is harvested and transported to Washington, D.C. The formal presentation to the First Lady is expected to take place later in November at the White House.
The event also serves as an opportunity to showcase Wisconsin's agricultural industry. Christmas tree production remains an important specialty crop sector in the state, supporting local businesses, tourism and rural economies.
For Silent Night Evergreens, the visit represents another milestone in its family farming history. The upcoming selection ceremony will place national attention on Wisconsin agriculture while celebrating the dedication and craftsmanship required to produce top-quality Christmas trees.
As White House officials arrive to choose the nation's holiday centerpiece, the event will highlight the strong connection between agriculture, family farms and one of America's most cherished holiday traditions.
To RSVP, send an email to info@realchristmastrees.org.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nathaniel-young