Pittsburgh Is Seeking Its 113th Christmas Tree

PHOTO FROM PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES

Christmas in July? Why not? 

The sweltering summer heat may feel evergreen, but there are just five months to go until Christmas comes to town, and the Department of Public Works’ Forestry Division has already launched its annual search for the City of Pittsburgh official Christmas tree. 

Each year, the Christmas tree that stands on the portico of the City-County Building is sourced locally from residents who submit their tree to the Forestry Division for consideration. Members of the public are encouraged to submit suitable evergreens of any variety that are a minimum of 40 feet tall.

Residents are encouraged to submit overgrown or endangered trees, as every effort is made not to disturb healthy trees. Consent from the property owner is required and the City will remove, secure, transport and install the tree up at City Hall in mid-November.

Preference for the selected tree is given to those located within city limits,  but others from Allegheny County are considered, too. Following the 2026 holiday season, the official tree is recycled into mulch that’s used in the City’s parks system.

The owners of the selected tree will be invited to join Mayor Corey O’Connor and City officials for the spectacular tree lighting ceremony hosted by CitiParks Office of Special Events. The ceremony takes place during the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnerships’ annual Light Up Night celebrations on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The erection of Pittsburgh’s official Christmas Tree — Downtown’s only live outdoor tree — remains one of the Golden Triangle’s oldest holiday traditions. A fundraising campaign led by Councilman Robert Garland saw the first City Christmas Tree in 1913. Henry Clay Frick authorized the use of then-empty property at Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue for the festivities.

The tradition moved to its current home in 1914 when workers put up the City’s second Christmas Tree on the construction site of what would become the City-County Building.

Individuals interested in donating a tree from their property may contact the Department of Public Works Forestry Division at 412-665-3625.