Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will host the 93rd Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting during a ceremony inside the State Capitol. Viewing: The event will be streamed on the California Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, Governor’s Instagram, and the Governor’s YouTube page on December 11, 2024 at 7 pm.
Carter Morris, a nine-year-old from Merced, will be joining Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the California State Capitol Tree this year.
History of the California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
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. 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 the East Annex as did the holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Hand-Crafted Ornaments and Tradition of Tree Lighters & DDS
In 1983, California Governor Deukmejian, 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 the tree with ornaments hand made by children and adults with developmental disabilities. At this time, Governor Deukmejian started the tradition of inviting a child with developmental disabilities who receives services from one of California’s 21 nonprofit regional centers, 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.
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 people’s creativity never ends!
Last modified: December 12, 2024
