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Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season.

The National Forests in North Carolina, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors, bring the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Pisgah Forest to Washington, D.C., including a special appearance from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14, at the Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion, 524 North Main Street, in downtown Suffolk.

The 78-foot-tall red spruce was harvested in the Pisgah National Forest in early November and prepared for the nearly 1,000-mile expedition, according to a news release. The journey includes a series of outdoor community celebrations before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol Nov. 18, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments and tree skirts specially created by North Carolinians.

Festivities during the tree’s Nov. 14 visit to Suffolk include seasonal kid’s crafts by Suffolk Art League, carols by the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts’ Chorus, and Holiday Story Time by the Suffolk Public Library.

Complimentary hot beverages will be provided by pH Coffee Bar and take-home Suffolk coloring books are available, both sponsored by Suffolk Tourism. Additionally, Suffolk Tourism is collecting new unwrapped toys to benefit ForKids, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children in Southeastern Virginia. This U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s visit and all associated activities are free and open to the public.

“We are honored that the United States Capitol Christmas tree will visit Suffolk on its journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Mike Duman. “It’s exciting for our city to be selected as one of only two host communities in Virginia for this year’s tree. We look forward to kicking off the holiday season on Nov. 14.”

The tree’s journey is possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, along with Kenworth Truck Co., Hardy Brothers Trucking, Hale Trailer, Spireon Inc., North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Dover Crane, Verizon, Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, Society of American Foresters, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Hartco and Robbins, Pilot Flying J, FIND Outdoors, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bartlett Tree Co., National Forest Foundation, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Cultivated Cocktails and Vesmir.

“We are beyond grateful for the host cities who play such a vital role in bringing the tree across the country,” said Forest Supervisor James Melonas of the National Forests in North Carolina.

For more information on the Suffolk event, visit VisitSuffolkVa.com. For news, events, and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.