Governor McCrory to Light State Capitol Christmas Tree | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory will host the State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony, Thursday, December 12.

    "Christmas is my and Ann's favorite time of year, and we are excited to celebrate it with the people of Raleigh and North Carolinians from across our state at the capitol," Governor McCrory said.

    Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with the lighting of luminaries and performances by area musicians.

    The State Capitol Foundation and the Junior Women's Club of Raleigh sponsor the ceremony and refreshments. The event in its entirety is sponsored by the governor, the Department of Cultural Resources Historic Sites Division, State Capitol, State Capitol Foundation, Inc., Downtown Clubs of Raleigh, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Junior Woman's Club of Raleigh.

    The governor will make his way to the south grounds at 6:15 p.m. to begin the tree lighting ceremony. The 24-ft. tree is from Peak Farms, near Jefferson, NC and is sponsored by the Downtown Clubs of Raleigh.

    After the lighting, the general public is invited to attend an open house inside the state capitol to see trees donated from Cartner Christmas Tree Farm, Asheville, that are beautifully decorated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture with home grown fruits and vegetables.

    The executive mansion will be open December 12 (12-5 p.m.), December 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), December 14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and December 15 (1-4 p.m.) for tours.

    Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest will also host a Christmas Open House from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 310 North Blount Street.

    The governor and first lady are asking people visiting the capitol to bring donations of food, blankets, towels, toys and treats for North Carolina's rural animal shelters. The organization AVALO is helping to collect and distribute donations. Please bring donations to the state capitol rotunda on Dec. 12, 13, 14 or 15. Donations can include the following:

    1. Canned food for puppies, kittens and adult dogs and cats
    2. Toys
    3. Blankets and towels
    4. Treats for all animals

    The state capitol, Museum of History and executive mansion will all be open late with special holiday programming. In addition, Winterfest, Raleigh's outdoor ice rink, will be open on the opposite end of Fayetteville Street.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov