RENO, Nev. (Nov. 27, 2025) – A young Nevadan is about to make a big journey. Southwest Airlines is sponsoring travel for a fourth-grade student from Virginia City, Nev., who won the state’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting contest with a compelling essay submission. Southwest Airlines presented this special opportunity to the winner at the recent Nevada Day Parade and also transported the thousands of handmade ornaments submitted by Nevadans to be displayed on the historic tree.
Now that the “Silver Belle”—the first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree ever provided by Nevada—has made it to Washington, D.C., it needs its official tree lighter. The contest winner will take off from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) on Friday, Nov. 28, aboard a specially selected Southwest Airlines Nevada One aircraft.
Media are invited to meet the young winner, capture their send-off and speak with a representative from Southwest Airlines.
Where: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Media should meet at ski statue for escort post-security
When: Friday, Nov. 28
Media call time: 5:15a.m.
Flight departure: 6:25a.m.
Media interested in attending must RSVP by calling the media line at 844-RNO-INFO (844-766-4636). This opportunity will require prompt arrival for escort post-security.
About The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 55-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year’s tree—nicknamed the “Silver Belle”—comes from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and marks the first time Nevada has ever provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Nevadans were also called upon to help decorate the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree with thousands of handmade ornaments, big and small. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
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Southwest Airlines Contact:
Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multimedia assets and other company news.
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