Tree Lighting At Rhode Island State House To Be Held Dec. 2

PROVIDENCE, RI — The annual tree lighting ceremony at the Rhode Island State House will be held next week, Gov. Dan McKee announced Tuesday. The celebration will start at 5 p.m. Dec. 2, with the tree lighting around 6:15 p.m.

Two Christmas trees will be on display in the State House this year. A 12-foot Douglas fir from Henry's Christmas Tree Farm in Scituate will stand outside the building, facing Francis and Gaspee streets. Inside the rotunda, an 18-foot artificial tree will be on display.

The live tree was purchased with donations from local businesses, McKee's office said. The artificial tree, meanwhile, was bought by previous Gov. Gina Raimondo in 2019, using funds from the 2017 National Governor's Association Conference.

"The State House Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting is one of the most festive times of the year," McKee said. "It's an opportunity for Rhode Islanders from all 39 cities and towns to come together and celebrate the season. My family and I are excited to join Rhode Islanders to enjoy a night filled with family entertainment as we kick off the holiday season."

Following the tree lighting, the governor and first lady will read "The Night Before Christmas." Performances will include Billy Gilman, the Cumberland Clef Singers, Paul Cuffee Lower School Chorus and "The Governor's Own" 88th Army Band's Portrait of Green Septet. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be one hand to take socially distanced photos with children.

All attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Rhode Island State Police's "Stuff A Cruiser" drive. The toys will be distributed to local charities for children in need this holiday season. All children who donate a toy will be entered in a raffle for a new scooter.

With coronavirus safety precautions in mind, the tree lighting ceremony will be held outdoors, weather permitting, on the south lawn of the State House. In the event of inclement weather, it will be canceled.