LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week, the 2026 Michigan Christmas tree was selected from a family in Iron Mountain, setting anticipation for it’s journey to Lansing in November.
The 60-foot spruce will be donated by the Larry Riccio family. While Larry was not available for an interview with WZMQ 19, he provided a quote in a press release from the state:
“When we first bought our house in 1986, the tree was quite large but now it has outgrown the property,” he said. “Our family is excited and honored to donate this year’s tree.”
After tree nominations came from all around the state, the Riccio’s tree was selected directly on site, right out of their yard. It’s what the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) says is the most common way to select that one special tree for the capitol grounds.
“Most of the trees are ones we see going to and from places, and it’s no different than this one,” explained DTMB Facility Supervisor, Heath Miller. “It was a nice tree, we just pulled into Larry’s house and started talking to him. We explained the whole experience to him, and he’s pretty excited about it.”
That excitement should carry its way through the Iron Mountain community in November.
“That town will literally shut down for the most part to have everybody come out and see this harvest,” said Miller. “The ceremony will be in Iron Mountain on November 5th around 10 a.m., it’s a pretty cool event to be a part of.”
As soon as the spruce reaches Lansing on November 7, local Boy Scout troops will play their part of untying the tree, and Lansing’s forestry department will prep the tree for decoration. The tree lighting will then take place at the 42nd Annual Silver Bells in the City celebration on November 20.
