US Capitol Christmas tree lights up for the season

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress joined together outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday evening to light the official 2021 Capitol Christmas tree. This year's tree is an 84-foot white fir from the Six Rivers National Forest in California.

The tree, affectionately nicknamed "Sugar Bear," made the 4,500 mile journey from California to Washington last month, and has since been decorated with over 15,000 ornaments crafted by California communities. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the tree is "our symbol of hope." The tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree began in 1964.