Idaho governor, first lady invite all Idahoans to Capitol Christmas tree lighting in Boise

Idaho Gov. Brad Little and first lady Teresa Little will host the Idaho Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30 at the Statehouse in Boise.

The free celebration is open to the public. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music and entertainment and remarks from the governor, first lady and the state’s constitutional officers will start at 6 p.m. before the official tree lighting, which will take place at about 6:45 p.m., according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The event will be broadcast live on Magic 97.9, and Mike Kasper with KBOI Radio will serve as master of ceremonies. Holiday music will begin playing at the Capitol as guests arrive around 5:30 p.m., and guests can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while they last.

Santa Claus and his elf will provide candy canes and bookmarks to attendees and be available for photos.

Music will be provided by the Andrus Ambassadors Honor Choir from Meridian’s Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School and students from Meridian’s Idaho Fine Arts Academy’s vocal major program, according to the press release.

After the tree lighting, attendees are invited into the Capitol until the festivities end at 7:30 p.m. Opera Idaho performers will provide entertainment for Capitol visitors following the ceremony, the press release said.

Guests can visit the Governor’s Ceremonial Office and the Capitol Gift Shop, where Idaho’s 2023 State Christmas ornament and other items crafted by Idaho artists will be available.

The event is sponsored by Walmart, Cumulus Media and The Bridge.

“Additionally, we would like to thank the Idaho Department of Administration, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Transportation Department, Apex Crane, Production Services International Inc., and the Boise Police Department for their assistance in making the celebration possible,” the press release said.