Annual tradition showcases creativity of region’s older adults

Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers remarks during the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Main Rotunda.

Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers remarks during the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Main Rotunda. — Courtesy photo

Capitol Christmas tree decked out with handmade ornaments

Bingo cards, glitter pinecones, penguins and more — crafted with care by seniors in Blair, Cambria and Clearfield counties — all found a home for the holidays nestled in the branches of the 25-foot-tall Christmas tree in the State Capitol Main Rotunda, Harrisburg. The tree and its hundreds of handmade ornaments will be on display until Jan. 8, 2026.

“The Department of Aging is grateful for the older adults from across the Commonwealth who dedicate their time and talent to create ornaments for the Capitol tree. The ornaments and the tree will help spread good cheer and unity to the hundreds of thousands of visitors to our State Capitol during this holiday season,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “We are proud to join the Area Agencies on Aging and the Senior Community Centers that submitted the ornaments to display the creativity of the older adults who hand made them. I am grateful to all the older adults who contributed ornaments as part of this annual holiday tradition.”

Centers submitting ornaments include the Williamsburg Senior Center in Blair County; the Cresson, Ebensburg, Forest Hills, Johnstown and Northern Cambria centers in Cambria County; and the Clearfield, Coalport and Mahaffey centers for active living.

In lighting the tree earlier this month, Gov. Josh Shapiro said “the holiday season represents the best of our Commonwealth — communities coming together, supporting each other, and appreciating all that we have here in Pennsylvania.”

“The light that comes from the Capitol Christmas tree reminds us of the hope we share and the brighter future we’re building together — that spirit and sense of shared purpose are what the holidays are all about,” Shapiro said. “It’s what carries us through the good times and the dark times, and it’s what makes Pennsylvania such a special place to call home.”

To get a closer look at some of the ornaments, visit the Department of Aging’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PennsylvaniaAging.

Older adults who are looking for a Senior Community Center in their community can either contact their local Area Agency on Aging or visit the Department of Aging’s website at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/local-resources/senior-community-centers.