Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum invite the public to join them for music, carols and a holiday reading at the 43rd annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in Memorial Hall at the state Capitol in Bismarck.
This year’s ceremony will feature performances by the 2024 Governor’s Choir, the Central Chamber Choir from Grand Forks Central High School; Miss North Dakota 2024 Sophia Richards; and pianist Levi Andrist. Free holiday cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider will be available to all attendees. All are welcome to attend and view the submitted handmade ornaments featured on the State Christmas Tree.
This year’s ornament motif is "Branches of Hope," which is inspired by the first lady’s initiative to end the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Just as a tree’s branches extend outward, the theme symbolizes how hope reaches everyone impacted by addiction.
Following the tradition established during the past five ceremonies, the tree will be ceremoniously lit by two individuals in recovery and their families to signify hope, opportunity and renewal during the holiday season.
Attendees of the free event may park in the visitor’s lot south of the Capitol or along the south loop and enter the building through the south entrance.
Prior to the ceremony, live reindeer courtesy of Northern Lights Ranch in Garrison will be available for public enjoyment from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. between the Capitol and south visitor’s lot.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the governor’s Facebook page.