Visit the State Capitol Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to make a rustic outdoor decoration to feed the birds and squirrels on Capitol Square. While the historic Capitol is closed for repairs, we’re bringing holiday cheer outside instead. Families, children, and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to make birdseed and critter-friendly ornaments to adorn the tree, provided by the N.C. Christmas Tree Association. The tree will stand on the east grounds through December.
Thursday, Dec. 7, join Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper for the annual State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities begin on Capitol Square at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music by the Raleigh Concert Band. The governor and dignitaries will make their way to the south grounds at 6:15 p.m. to officially begin the ceremony. Sponsored by State Employees’ Credit Union, the 24-ft North Carolina-grown Fraser fir will be visible the length of Fayetteville Street. The Junior Woman’s Club will give away cookies and hot chocolate — and even Santa is scheduled to make an appearance! While the Capitol building remains closed due to ongoing construction, the public is invited to the Executive Mansion immediately following the lighting of the tree to see the governor’s residence all decked out for the holidays.
Capitol events are free, and no reservations are needed or accepted. For additional information, please call 984-867-8340. The State Capitol is located at 1 East Edenton St., Raleigh, and is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the North Carolina Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.