California State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will host the 88th Annual California State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5.

The celebration, which is an annual tradition dating back to the early 1930s, is open to the public, and this year will highlight California’s cultural diversity, native heritage and spirit of inclusion.

The Governor and the First Partner will light the Capitol Christmas tree with special guest Nayeli Lemus. The 10-year-old from Gilroy was selected by the California Department of Developmental Services and the San Andreas Regional Center, and will represent the more than 340,000 Californians who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lemus, a 4th grader at Charter School of Morgan Hill, loves singing, dancing, music, and art, and enjoys spending time with her parents Angel and Rosalinda, and two-year-old sister Naia.

Additionally, California Volunteers is partnering with the Sacramento Children’s Home to place a Giving Tree at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Giving Tree will be decorated with Wish Stars for attendees to take and fulfill the holiday wishes of local children in need. Wish Stars detail the specific gift requests of children at the Home. Attendees will also be able to make monetary donations directly to the Home at the event.

This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is a 66’, 3” tall white fir from the LaTour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County, which is managed by CAL FIRE.