Charleston, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Governor Patrick Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey invite families from across West Virginia to join them for the official Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the West Virginia Capitol Complex this Thursday, December 4. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on the Capitol steps facing Kanawha Boulevard.
In light of last week’s tragic events in Washington, D.C., this year’s tree will be dedicated to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, and U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard, with a moment of silence held in their honor. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
The ceremony will be emceed by WOWK Anchor Amanda Barren and will feature live performances from the Capital High School band and choir, the River City Youth Ballet, Christmas sing-alongs, and more holiday entertainment.
Following the ceremony, those looking for Christmas cheer are invited to the West Virginia Culture Center for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and live reindeer, crafts, and other holiday surprises.
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 particularly 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. Shuttles will run between Laidley Field and the Capitol from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Kanawha Boulevard will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m. for the event.
