The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree was officially lit Tuesday night to kick off the holiday season in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — The Capitol Christmas Tree has arrived in Washington, D.C.

The tree is in place on the U.S. Capitol’s west lawn Monday, and organizers say it is decorated with more than 5,000 handmade ornaments from children across the country. A tree lighting ceremony was Tuesday.

The tree made stops in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland on its way from Washington state.

The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of cutting and maintaining the tree. Donations cover the cost of transporting the tree across the country. This year’s lead sponsors included the Truckload Carriers Association, Mack Trucks, the National Association of Convenience Stores and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.