MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) Mitchell residents can take part in a national holiday tradition when the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stops at the World’s Only Corn Palace on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The free public event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. outside the Corn Palace, 604 N. Main St., as the tree travels from Idaho to Washington, D.C.
Selected from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the “People’s Tree” is making community appearances during the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour before reaching its holiday destination on the Capitol’s West Lawn.
Visitors in Mitchell can view the tree through special windows in its transport trailer and sign the truck banner accompanying it across the country.
U.S. Forest Service representatives will answer questions about the tree and this year’s theme, “Over the River, Through the Woods.” Commemorative merchandise will be available for purchase.
The Dakota Wesleyan University Jazz Band will provide live music. County Fair Food Stores will offer complimentary hot chocolate and cookies to the first 200 attendees.
Families can also meet Cornelia and Smokey Bear. Another special guest may attend, although that appearance has not been confirmed.
The Mitchell stop offers residents and visitors a chance to share in the tree’s cross-country journey before it becomes part of the holiday celebration in the nation’s capital.