W.Va. Tree Lighting Ceremony Planned For Dec. 4

The official West Virginia Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is planned for Thursday, Dec. 4 starting at 6 p.m. at the state Capitol. The free festivities will take place on the Capitol steps facing Kanawha Boulevard.

“As we begin this blessed month celebrating the birth of Christ, we are looking forward to having West Virginians join us in kicking off the Christmas season with the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. “We are asking all those attending who are able to donate a toy or coat and help bring holiday cheer to West Virginia children in foster care.”

The centerpiece of this year’s tree lighting is a 25-foot spruce donated by Crickmer Farms on behalf of the West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association. 

The celebration will be emceed by WOWK Anchor Amanda Barren and there will be live performances from the Capital High School band and choir, the River City Youth Ballet and Christmas sing-alongs. 

Following the tree lighting ceremony, guests are invited to the West Virginia Culture Center for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf.

Attendees are encouraged to donate toys and coats for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of foster children across the state. 

This year, the organization is in need of gifts suited for older children. 

Donations may be dropped off at the West Virginia Culture Center or on the Capitol steps during the event.

Free parking will be available in the Capitol Complex parking garage and Laidley Field parking lot. Kanawha Boulevard will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m. for the event.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.