2023's National Christmas Tree was a cut (vs living/planted) tree -- the first since 1972! A Norway Spruce from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The prior tree, planted in October 2021, was cut down earlier in November, having succumbed to needle cast -- a disease which had afflicted some prior National Christmas Trees as well.

A storm's heavy winds toppled the tree on November 28 after snapping one of the securing cables. This was just two days prior to official lighting, but Park Service crews/contractors were able to get it back up and the lighting proceeded on November 30.