Rocking around the House Christmas tree: See North Texans’ ornaments featured at Capitol

A 23-foot Christmas tree in the House chamber of the Texas Capitol is decked with ornaments decorated by lawmakers’ constituents as part of a years-long tradition in the House of Representatives.

Tarrant County is well represented, with ornaments featuring an emblem recognizing downtown Mansfield, a rendering of the clock tower on Main Street in Grapevine and Fort Worth’s iconic longhorn logo. Ornaments from seven of Tarrant County’s 11 House districts adorn the tree.

Among the baubles is an ornament decorated by two Mansfield Timberview High School students, seniors Satoria Lee and Briana Lagunas, featuring a winter landscape and the University of Texas’ longhorn mascot, since the ornament will be displayed in Austin.

The two friends volunteered to decorate the ornament when a teacher let students know about the opportunity.

“I hope that they just think that it’s nice, and it brings a smile to their face,” Lee said of visitors to the Capitol who see their ornament.

Lagunas, who decorated the background while Lee handled the mascot, was inspired by vintage Christmas movies.

“Hopefully it brings some warmth and memories,” Lagunas said.

The tree itself also has North Texas ties: The Virginia pine is from Elves Christmas Tree Farm in Denison.

The winter season can be busy, so for those unable to see the decorations in person, here’s an up close look at the House Christmas tree to help get North Texans in the holiday spirit.

More images of the Tarrant County ornaments and others from across the state can be found on the Texas House website.

House District 92

Rep. Salman Bhojani, a Euless Democrat, represents House District 92. The district includes parts of Arlington, Bedford, Euless, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and Hurst.

Artist: Barbara J. Gant-Freeborn, The Clubhouse for Special Needs

House District 94

Rep. Tony Tinderholt, an Arlington Republican, represents House District 94. The district includes Dalworthington Gardens and Pantego, and parts of Arlington, Bedford, Euless, Fort Worth and Hurst.

Artist: Matthew Horton, eighth grade student in Arlington

House District 95

Rep. Nicole Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat, represents House District 95. The district includes Edgecliff Village, Everman, Forest Hill, and part of Fort Worth.

Artist: Brian Dickson, Jr., Graduate Student at the University of North Texas.

House District 96

Rep. David Cook, a Mansfield Republican, represents House District 96. The district includes Kennedale, Rendon and parts of Arlington, Burleson, Crowley, Fort Worth, and Mansfield.

Artist: Maddie Kirksey

House District 98

Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, a Southlake Republican, represents House District 98. The district includes Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, Westlake, and parts of Euless, Flower Mound, Southlake and Trophy Club.

Artist: Aubrey Schaub, Grapevine Faith Christian School

House District 99

Rep. Charlie Geren, a Fort Worth Republican, represents House District 99. The district includes Lake Worth, Lakeside, Pelican Bay, River Oaks, Sansom Park, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, and parts of Azle, Briar, Fort Worth, Pecan Acres, and Saginaw.

Artist: Brandi Wilson

House District 101

Rep. Chris Turner, a Grand Prairie Democrat, represents House District 101. The district includes part of Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield.

Artists: Briana Lagunas and Satoria Lee, Timberview High School

Fort Worth

One ornament on the tree displays the Fort Worth city logo.

The Texas House

The Texas Senate

A Christmas tree also stands in the Texas Senate. It too is from the Elves Christmas Tree Farm in Denison. Members are able to provide ornaments fro their district to decorate the tree.

This story was originally published December 17, 2024 at 2:40 PM.

Eleanor Dearman

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

(817) 807-3200

Eleanor (Elly) Dearman is a Texas politics and government reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She’s based in Austin, covering the Legislature and its impact on North Texas. She grew up in Denton and has been a reporter for more than six years. Support my work with a digital subscription