The holiday season has officially kicked off in North Carolina’s state capitol as Governor Roy Cooper joined in the countdown to light the grand Christmas tree in downtown Raleigh.
Standing outside the Capitol and visible down Fayetteville Street, the tree was illuminated as part of an annual ceremony at the State Capitol. The event drew a crowd eager to welcome the festive season, with Gov. Cooper highlighting the importance of community, family, and North Carolina’s unique contributions to Christmas celebrations across the country.
“This is one of the best events we do here at the state Capitol,” said Cooper. “This is a wonderful time of year filled with family, and faith, and friends and I’m thankful to be here tonight with the wonderful First Lady of North Carolina.”
Governor Cooper took a moment to recognize the significant role that North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry plays in holiday traditions nationwide, particularly in the western part of the state. He noted that North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States, further solidifying the state’s prominent place in holiday celebrations nationwide. A tree from Newland, North Carolina, was selected for this year’s official White House Christmas tree.
“I too want to give a special thanks to Pete Farms in Ashe County for providing this amazing tree,” Cooper added. “You know that North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the country?”
This year’s celebration was also a reminder of the hardships faced by western communities still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Following the lighting ceremony, Governor Cooper extended an invitation to all attendees to visit both the North Carolina Executive Mansion and the Capitol building, which are beautifully decorated for the season.