Christmas tree lighting on Monday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m., and State House menorah lighting on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. Both events will take place on the State House lawn and are open to the general public.

The Christmas tree lighting will feature local musicians, Rudolph the VTRANS plow truck, horse and buggy rides, and visits with animals, including Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts’ miniature donkey, Frannie. This portion will begin at 4:00 p.m. before the lighting ceremony starts at 5:00 p.m.

The majestic 40-foot blue spruce planted 40 years ago in St. Albans was donated by Matt Durfee. He was moved to offer the tree in the spirit of ‘Vermont Strong,’ honoring the resilience of many Vermont communities following this summer’s catastrophic flooding.

Following the ceremony, light refreshments and cookies will be served inside the State House, around the indoor Victorian Christmas tree adorned with lights and handmade ornaments decorated by the Friends of the Vermont State House. Governor Scott will read “The Night Before Christmas” for the children who gather there.