Capitol’s 2022 Tree Lighting
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom invite you and your family to enjoy the 91st Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Livestream: The event will be livestreamed on the California Governor’s Office YouTube, Twitter and Facebook accounts. Broadcast: KCRA 3 will also broadcast this year’s event in the Sacramento region.
The celebration, which dates back to the early 1930’s, will highlight California’s diverse holiday traditions, native heritage and spirit of inclusion.
Performers for this year’s celebrations include singer, songwriter & dancer Tinashe, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, cast members of Dear San Francisco, the love letter to City by the Bay, Chrissy Marshall, the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, the Bandura Ensemble of Sacramento, the Grant Union High School drumline, and UC Davis acapella groups The Afterglow and The Spokes.
The Governor and First Partner will light the State Capitol tree with special guest Layla Datskyy. The eight-year-old from Fair Oaks, California was selected by the California Department of Developmental Services and the Alta California Regional Center, and will represent the nearly 400,000 Californians living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A third grader at O.W. Erlewine Elementary School, Layla enjoys listening to music and watching music videos. She also likes to play with dolls and enjoys watching people’s facial expressions.
- Fair Oaks 3rd Grader Chosen to Participate in 91st Annual Capitol Tree Lighting
- More About This Year’s Tree Lighter, Layla Datskyy
- Governor’s Tree Lighting Press Release
History of the California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
The first use of the California State Capitol occurred during a holiday celebration in December of 1869. The holiday tree lighting ceremony began in 1931 with Governor James Rolph. He rearranged his main office located at that time in the west wing of the Capitol to accommodate a large decorated tree central to a gift exchange among staff. This informal tradition continued with the next 6 governors. In 1951, the Governor’s office moved to its present location in the East Annex as did the holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Hand-Crafted Ornaments and Tradition of Tree Lighters & DDS
In 1983 the Governor together with the Department of General Services and the Department of Developmental Services updated the ceremony with a large tree placed on the west steps and decorated with ornaments hand made by children and adults with developmental disabilities at community and state-operated developmental centers’ art programs.
Creating ornaments for the tree is a project that is enjoyed by many individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the state. Each year, there are new themes, and creativity never ends. The ornaments must be constructed of materials that will withstand wind and rain. The tree is also decorated with approximately 14,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.
2022 marks 39 years since California Governor Deukmejian started the tradition of inviting a child with developmental disabilities who receives services from one of the 21 nonprofit regional centers in the state, to hang an ornament on the Capitol tree and “hit the switch” to light the tree and help kick off the holiday season for all Californians.
For over 90 years, the Governor’s Tree lighting has evolved from a small office celebration into California’s statewide commemoration kicking off the holiday season.
Last modified: April 29, 2023
