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Christmas in the City: The State House Tree Lighting and Holiday Display

Join the Governor as she lights the state Christmas tree

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Consisting of trees, garlands, wreaths, poinsettias, topiaries, mantelpieces, bells and a gingerbread display, the State House is an albeit unlikely holiday destination that’s well worth a visit, so stop by during normal working hours. Festivities that are free and open to the public include a performance by the Governor’s Own 88th Army Band, as well as Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies.

Did you know?

  • This year, there are more than 9,000 light bulbs on the main Christmas tree in the rotunda.
  • In addition to the main tree, there are between 16-20 other decorated trees that are part of the holiday display. 
  • The Heroes Tree is decorated by family members to honor Rhode Islanders who have joined the military.
  • The main tree is usually between 15-20 feet tall. This year it will be donated by Big John Leyden’s Christmas Tree Farm of West Greenwich.
  • There are approximately 30 performers in the Governor’s Own 88th Army Band.
  • The gingerbread display in the State Room is donated by the Exeter Job Corps Academy each year.
  • The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s table displays show how various groups of Rhode Islanders celebrate the holidays.


What’s on deck for 2016?

  • The Governor’s Own 88th Army Band will perform at the tree-lighting ceremony on December 1.
  • A menorah lighting celebration is also scheduled for December (check the Governor’s website for an announcement)

Free. Open throughout December, Monday-Friday. 82 Smith Street. Governor.RI.gov


Other Tree Lightings and Holiday Displays:

City of Providence: Join Mayor Elorza for the City’s 2016 Holiday Celebration and Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with a performance by the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus and a figure skating demonstration by Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan. December 2 at City Hall; December 3 at Alex & Ani Skating Center. 680-5770, ProvidenceRI.com/ArtCultureTourism

46th Annual Christmas in Newport: This month-long celebration features a wide variety of activities including a wreath sale, lantern walking tour, Mistletoe Madness cocktail reception and more. December 1-31. 849-6454, ChristmasInNewport.org

31st Annual Festival of Lights:
Historic Wickford Village is the site of this four-day festival, which includes a tree lighting, hayrides with Santa, caroling, an elf parade, ice sculptures and more. December 1-4. 295-5566,
WickfordVillage.org

tree lightings, newport, festival of lights, holiday displays, city of providence, governor's 88th army band, governor raimundo, michelle kwan, jorge elorza, mayor elorza, rhode island historical preservation and heritage commission, job corps

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