Nebraskans will have a chance to get into the holiday spirit with a pair of ceremonies on Sunday, December 8. The 76th annual State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be held at 1:30 at the State Capitol.
It will feature prelude music by the Sharpshooters Woodwind group, which is part of the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band. Performers include choirs from Concordia Lutheran High School of Omaha and Wahoo Elementary School of Wahoo. Governor Jim Pillen will deliver his holiday message before leading the lighting of this year’s donated Christmas tree.
Following the ceremony, a Hometown Christmas will be celebrated outdoors at the Governor’s Residence. This is the second year for the event and will feature the Blackhawk Brass of the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band, choir performers, Mr. & Mrs. Claus and a live nativity scene.
There will also be elf car rides, hayrack and horse drawn carriage rides, live animals, face painting, a balloon artist, hot cocoa and cookies. The event will also feature a salute to veterans and a writing station where people can send letters to deployed service men and women.
The festivities will get underway at 2:30 p.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. Streets around the Governor’s Residence will be closed to traffic during that time. As all events will take place outside, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.