Christmas music fills the air and the days grow shorter, but Nampa’s holiday spirit shines bright thanks to a new centerpiece: a 28‑foot white fir that will serve as the city’s 2026 Christmas tree. The towering fir, weighing roughly 5,000 pounds, spent 24 years growing in the front yard of a South Nampa home before the owners decided to donate it to the community.
Finding the perfect tree
City forester Adam Mancini explained that locating a tree of this size is a year‑round effort. “I spend a lot of time driving through neighborhoods, looking at the skyline for blue spruce or conifers that tower over rooftops,” Mancini said. He maintains a running list of potential candidates and approached the family after spotting their mature fir.
Why the family gave it up
The homeowners planted the tree themselves 24 years ago. As the tree grew, its roots began to encroach on their property, creating a risk to their house. “They told us that if we didn’t take the tree this year, they would have to cut it down because of the obstruction and the concern with the root system,” Mancini reported. The family declined an on‑camera interview, noting the decision was emotional, but they have cultivated a sprout from the original tree in a planter so they can keep a piece of it at home.
Moving the tree to the depot
Transporting a tree of this magnitude required heavy equipment. Crews lifted the fir from the ground and placed it on a flat‑bed truck for a 3.5‑mile journey through Nampa to the historic train depot downtown. “They were gracious to donate this tree, a little emotional, because there was some sentiment to it,” Mancini said.
Holiday celebrations and future use
Once at the depot, the tree will undergo any necessary repairs before decorations are added. It is scheduled to be lit and opened to the public on Saturday, Nov. 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. After the holiday season, the city plans to recycle the tree into park landscaping, giving it a second life in Nampa’s green spaces.
Community impact
The donation highlights the generosity of local families and the city’s commitment to creating a festive, family‑friendly atmosphere. Residents can enjoy the illuminated tree as a gathering point for holiday photos, community events, and a reminder of the shared values that bind Nampa together.
City officials encourage anyone interested in volunteering for tree‑lighting preparations or future holiday projects to contact the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 (Nampa stories) — read the source article.
