Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Memorial Hall at the Capitol. The theme of this year’s Christmas tree is “Building Bridges of Hope,” inspired by the first lady’s platform of eliminating the shame and stigma associated with the disease of addiction and encouraging others along the road to recovery.
This year’s ceremony will include traditional songs and readings from the holiday season, featuring pianist Joel Gilbertson and the Wachter Middle School Choir. All are welcome to attend and view the submitted handmade ornaments featured on the State Christmas Tree.
Following the tradition established during the past two ceremonies, the tree will be ceremoniously lit by an individual or individuals impacted by addiction or recovery to signify hope, opportunity and renewal during the holiday season. Attendees of the event may park in the visitors lot south of the Capitol and enter the building through the south entrance.