Capitol Tree Lighting & Hometown Christmas Details Released

 

 LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne are inviting Nebraskans to two holiday events on Dec. 8. The first is the annual lighting of the State Christmas Tree. The second event, which will follow immediately after, is the Hometown Christmas at the Governor’s Residence. This year, it includes a salute to veteran and active military. Both events are free.

This is the 76th year for the tree lighting ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. It starts at 1:30 p.m. and will feature prelude music by the Sharpshooters Woodwind group, part of the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band. The program will be hosted by award-winning Nebraska broadcaster Charlie Brogan. Performers include choirs from Concordia Lutheran High School of Omaha and Wahoo Elementary School of Wahoo. Gov. Pillen will deliver his holiday message before leading the lighting of this year’s donated Christmas tree. The tree is scheduled to be transported to the Capitol early next week.

Following the ceremony, a Hometown Christmas will be celebrated outdoors at the Governor’s Residence, 1425 H Street, Lincoln. Open to the public, and in its second year, this holiday tradition will feature the Blackhawk Brass of the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band, choir performers, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene, elf car rides, hayrack and horse drawn carriage rides, live animals, face painting, a balloon artist, hot cocoa, cookies and much more. The festivities will get underway at 2:30 p.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. Streets around the Governor’s Residence will be closed to traffic during that time.  As all events will take place outside, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Throughout the holiday season, visitors are welcome to the State Capitol. Free guided tours are offered hourly Monday – Friday at the following times: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 1:00 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00.  On Saturdays, tours begin at 10 a.m. and on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. The Capitol will be closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and again on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). Once lit, the tree will remain up through Sunday, Dec. 29.

 

Please call the Tour Office at (402) 471-0448 for more information about visiting the Capitol.