Public Invited to State House Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito welcome members of the public and their families to attend the annual State House Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The theme of the Open House, “Make it a Massachusetts Holiday!,” will showcase Massachusetts farmers, food producers, agricultural partners and tourism venues.

Guests will also be able to enjoy holiday carols and a special visit from Santa Claus.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the State House to get into the holiday spirit and learn about all Massachusetts has to offer this time of year,”said Governor Charlie Baker. “I encourage everyone to join us in lighting the State House Christmas tree and learning how to support Massachusetts-based producers and tourist sites this holiday season.”

“Massachusetts has an array of locally-produced and hosted holiday products, tourism opportunities and family-friendly events,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “As we kick-off the holiday season, I hope everyone will join us in making this a true Massachusetts holiday.”

“Make it a Massachusetts Holiday”

State House Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House

Tuesday, Dec. 1:

4:30 to 5 p.m. Holiday Carols and Open House Grand Staircase

5 to 6 p.m.Tree Lighting Ceremony Doric Hall

6 to 7 p.m.Holiday Open House and Santa Claus Great Hall

** NOTE: All guests will enter through the security checkpoint at the State House’s General Hooker entrance where bags will be searched. Attendees are encouraged to limit or avoid bags in order to limit entry wait times.

The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund will also be on site encouraging guests to create holiday greeting cards for service men and women stationed abroad.

Massachusetts produces many agricultural and horticultural products typically enjoyed during the holiday season, including Christmas trees, poinsettias, maple products, wines and cheeses, cranberries, turkey, seasonal vegetables and wool items.

“The State House holiday celebration is a great venue for Massachusetts growers to showcase their products,” said Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Citizens and guests can celebrate a Massachusetts holiday and learn a little bit about our agriculture and food sectors: two industries that are vital to the Massachusetts economy.”

“Massachusetts is a magical place during the holidays for residents and visitors alike,” said Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of Business Development & Interim Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. “Many of our historic sites and cultural centers are open throughout the season for families to enjoy a genuine Massachusetts holiday.”

Massachusetts attracts 22.9 million domestic and 1.5 million overseas visitors each year, contributing $18.5 billion in annual revenue.

According the 2012 Agricultural Census, Massachusetts’ 7,755 farms help to protect over 523,000 acres of open space and produce more than $492 million in agricultural products annually. At nearly $48 million, direct market sales account for 10 percent of the state’s total sales of agricultural products and Massachusetts ranks 5th in the nation for direct market sales and 3rd for direct market sales per operation.

Open House Participants:

• Copper Kettle Bakery, Westwood
• Ladybug Farm, Hubbardston
• Curio Spice Co., Somerville
• American Stonecraft, Lowell
• New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Lowell
• Ava’s Caramel Popcorn, Arlington
• Shaw Farm, Dracut
• Stone Harvest Farm, Petersham
• Koffee Kup Bakery, Springfield
• Island Alpaca Co., Martha’s Vineyard
• Department of Agricultural Resources
• Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
• The Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Train to Christmastown, Hyannis
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Freedom Trail Players, Boston
• Old State House Museum, Boston
• Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston

Musical Performers and Entertainment:

• Boston Children’s Chorus, Boston
• Massachusetts Army National Guard Quintet
• Boston Arts Academy Choir, Boston
• Everett High Marching Band, Everett
• Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, Bridgewater
• William Diamond Fife & Drum Band, Lexington