Joyful Night Coming To State Capitol, And Streaming Online

West Virginians are invited to kick off the holiday season tonight at the State Capitol. 

The 2024 Joyful Night celebration starts tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. on the south steps of the West Virginia State Capitol. The holiday event, touted as the state’s opening to the holiday season, includes a ceremonial tree lighting, a reception and musical performances from students.

The focal point of this year’s festivities is the lighting of the state Christmas tree, a 54-foot Norway spruce harvested from Pocahontas County’s Watoga State Park. Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice will light the tree at 6:30 p.m.

Before the lighting, school choirs and bands from Woodrow Wilson High School, Nitro High School, and Barboursville Elementary will perform seasonal tunes on the Lincoln Plaza on the south side of the Capitol at 6 p.m.

Decorations will also be up throughout the Capitol complex. In the West Rotunda of the State Capitol, visitors can admire trees honoring Gold Star Mothers, members of the armed forces, and first responders. The Red Cross will also be present, providing a special card for active-duty military personnel.

The Culture Center’s Great Hall will also be offering light refreshments and showcasing the winning ornaments from the First Lady’s West Virginia Student Ornament Competition.

For those unable to attend the event in person, West Virginia Public Broadcasting will broadcast the celebration live online and on the West Virginia Channel.