BOISE, Idaho — At the base of the Idaho State Capitol steps stands a 35-foot-tall spruce waiting to be lit up for the holidays.
The 2023 Capitol Christmas tree, boasting over 10,000 tree-mendous lights, will be lit Thursday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. on the Statehouse Front Steps.
Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little are hosting the Statehouse Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Christmas is always a Claus for celebration. So, what better way to get in the spirit than an appearance from the jolly man himself?
Santa Claus will be gracing the great Gem State with his presents at Thursday's tree lighting. Saint Nick and his elf-comrade(s) will pass out candy canes and bookmarks to attendees. And don't miss-letoe your chance for a photo-op!
KBOI Radio's Mike Kasper will provide live coverage of all the holiday happenings - broadcasting live on Magic 97.9.
Tree Lighting Schedule & Festivities fir the Whole Family:
- 5:30 p.m. - Celebration begins
- Holiday music as guests arrive
- Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa (while supplies last)
- 6 p.m. - Ceremony starts
- Music by the Andrus Ambassadors Honor Choir from Meridian's Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School
- Musical performance by students from Meridian's Idaho Fine Arts Academy's vocal major program
- 6:45 p.m. (approx.)
- Remarks from Governor Little and First Lady Teresa Little before the official tree lighting.
- 7:00 p.m. (approx.)
- For those looking to branch out a little - guests are invited into the Capitol building after the Christmas tree lighting until the festivities end at 7:30 p.m.
- The governor's formal Ceremonial Office will be open to guests
- Capitol Gift Shop: Get your very own Idaho 2023 State Christmas ornament, along with various other items crafted by Idaho artists
- 7:30 p.m. - Ceremony ends
- Opera Idaho performers will perform for Capitol visitors following the ceremony as a final ho-ho-hoorah!
The tree was placed on a 50-foot truck and transported by the Idaho Department of Transportation to its place in front of the Capitol steps on Nov. 20. ITD has transported the state's trees for over 20 years.
So, put on your favorite Christmas sweater and get all spruced up for an evening of fun holiday festivities, and have yourself a good time.
Happy holly-days!
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