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Festive Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
On December 11, 2011 over 300 people gathered in the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol to celebrate the season with the lighting of the Official State Holiday Tree. The program, sponsored by Pinewood Bowl, Inc., has been held at the Capitol for over 60 years and features special holiday music, the Governor’s holiday message and caroling by those in attendance.
The Capitol opened at 1:00 p.m. and visitors arrived early for good seats.
Dr. Darryl White, Associate Professor of Trumpet at the University of Nebraska School of Music performed the prelude music as guests arrived.
Mark Taylor with KFOR welcomed everyone to the ceremony. The event is broadcast each year on KFOR Radio.
The Lincoln Northeast High School ROTC Color Guard posted the colors to begin the ceremony.
The First United Inspirational Choir and Allon Chapel Praz Team, under the direction of Oscar Harriott, performed a selection of holiday songs.
Dr. Darryl White performed O Tannenbaum beneath the festive holiday tree.
The Lincoln Boys Chorale Choir, under the direction of Burton Schernikau, performed Winter Wonderland, Christmas Time is Here, and Jolly St. Nick. The Boys Chorale Choir has been invited to perform at the Vatican next year.
Neal Stenberg extended a welcome to all from the Pinewood Bowl Committee, sponsor of the event. The Lincoln JayCees serve as hosts for the event.
Governor Dave Heineman delivered his holiday message in front of the soon to be lit tree.
Following the Governor’s message First Lady Sally Ganem invited the children in the audience to come to the stage to help light the tree.
Once the children arrived, the Governor and First Lady begin the countdown to light the tree.
3….2…..1 The Official Nebraska Holiday tree is lit with over 400 individual lights strung amongst ornaments representing Nebraska’s 93 counties. .
Following the lighting, those assembled sang songs of the season.
The Capitol will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The holiday tree will be on display in the second floor rotunda through December 28th.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from the Nebraska State Capitol.
Are You Interested in Seeing the Building in Person?
We're open 7 days a week, so plan a visit here. Then, explore some photos and perhaps read more about the Memorial Chamber.Historic Rooms
The architect who designed the Nebraska State Capitol was Bertram Goodhue. The thematic program of the Capitol was developed by Dr. Hartley Burr Alexander. Sculptor for the Capitol was Lee Lawrie, and Hildreth Meiere designed all the floor and ceiling mosaics. The building was constructed over a ten year period in four building phases. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1932. Total cost of the building was just under $10 million.
Capitol quick facts
- Construction started in 1922, completed in 1932.
- The architect was Bertram G. Goodhue.
- There are 15 floors above ground.
- The building is 400 feet tall.
- It is the third Nebraska State Capitol.
- It cost $9.8 million in 1932 dollars.
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- Saturday ⁄ Holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
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(Except at Noon) - Open every day except Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
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