Amid this week’s heat and humidity, Union Depot is looking ahead and starting its annual search for a holiday tree.

The transportation hub is seeking the donation of a tall and good-looking evergreen to serve as its 2026 “Hub for the Holidays” tree.

Do you know a tree that is picture-perfect enough to star as a sparkly icon for the holiday festivities, which will include the holiday tree lighting celebration on Dec. 5?

Here are the key qualifications: It must be an evergreen tree located in Ramsey County that has overgrown its location, or needs to be removed for other reasons. Ideally 50 to 70 feet tall, it should be in good condition (no bare spots or missing branches).

If your tree is selected, there will be no cost for its removal or to grind down its stump, a value of more than $5,000.

The family of the tree owner will also be invited to participate in the holiday tree lighting celebration, when the tree will be illuminated with more than 20,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

Once transported to Union Depot closer to the holiday season, the tree will be visible from the North Plaza on Fourth Street in Lowertown, creating a festive ambience for travelers, eventgoers and neighborhood residents.

To start the process, email your address and a photo of the tree to info@uniondepot.org or call 651-202-2700. You may also submit your info via the Union Depot website at uniondepot.org/holiday/holiday-tree/. The tree submission period will last until Sept. 11. The Hub for the Holidays event schedule will also be announced around this date.