Newport News to Host the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
On Its Way to Washington, DC

November 25, 2011; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
City Center at Oyster Point

The City of Newport News will host the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it travels on its way from the Stanislaus National Forest in California, where it was grown, to the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. Only twenty-three cities were selected to host the tree . The City of Newport News will hold a special event to welcome the tree on November 25, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at City Center at Oyster Point. The event is free and open to the public.

At the event, the public can peek through a viewing window on the Tree’s transport truck to view the bundled-up tree and sign a banner that will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. The event will also feature free refreshments provided by the Newport News Marriott at City Center, make-and-take crafts, holiday entertainment, costumed characters, a children’s train ride, a free game with prizes (everyone wins), and give-a-ways. The event will also serve as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. 

The U.S. Capitol Tree’s journey across the country can be tracked on-line at: www.trackthetree.com and additional information on the Tree’s tour is available at: www.capitolchristmastree2011.org.

Town Center Drive will be closed at the Merchants Walk Parking Garage exit to Fountain Way from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011 for the event. For more information and updates, please call Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism at (757) 926-1400 .