Governor and First Lady Gianforte Light Capitol Christmas Tree

HELENA, Mont. – Joining Montana families in Helena, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte today lit the State Capitol Christmas Tree and welcomed the holiday season with carols sung by the Carroll College Choirs.

“There is nothing quite like having the Christmas tree standing tall in the rotunda to kick off this special time of year,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I encourage all Montanans to stop by the People’s House in the coming weeks, bring your family, take a photo, and enjoy the Christmas spirit here in your Capitol.”

This year’s Capitol Christmas tree was harvested from U.S. Forest Service land as part of a Good Neighbor Authority project near Seeley Lake. Each year, the governor joins the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to harvest a tree from public lands. As it stands in the Montana State Capitol Rotunda, the tree is 29 feet, weighs 450 pounds, and has more than 3,600 lights and 950 ornaments.

Before lighting the tree, the governor and first lady launched the fifth annual 12 Days of Giving and donated toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

“Every child deserves the joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Toys for Tots and the volunteers behind it bring hope and happiness to families across Montana. I encourage everyone who can to contribute and help make a child’s holiday brighter.”

Founded more than 75 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys in October, November, and December to ensure every child has a gift on Christmas morning. Last year, the Helena area Toys for Tots campaign distributed nearly 20,000 toys and supported over 3,000 children.

“Montana communities always step up to support families in need,” said Angie Fillinger, coordinator for Helena Toys for Tots. “A single toy or a few hours volunteering can mean the world to a child who might otherwise go without. Seeing smiles on their faces reminds us why giving back matters.”

Montanans interested in supporting Toys for Tots or who know a child in need of a gift this Christmas can find their local campaign here. At the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting, the governor donated a children’s science kit, and the first lady donated a children’s instrument set.

In the month of December, the governor’s fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.