Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival

The 2011 Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival marks the beginning of the holiday season on Capitol Square and throughout Ohio. This year’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A short tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the west steps (High Street side) of the Statehouse. First Lady Karen Kasich is scheduled to attend and participate in the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.


In keeping with the spirit of the season, visitors are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

The ceremony will also include guests welcoming Santa Claus when he arrives at the Ohio Statehouse in retro style behind the wheel of a classic “horseless carriage.” In addition, the tree lighting ceremony makes its return this year to the Ohio Statehouse with the illumination of two beautiful holiday trees. After Capitol Square is lit with holiday cheer, the celebration will flow inside the Statehouse for an evening of fun for all. 

For children and adults of all ages, this family-friendly festival will also include holiday music sung by a variety of choirs, a Santa and Mrs. Claus photo station, activities, displays, special performances and refreshments. The free and public Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival invites families from across the Buckeye State to join together at their State Capitol to rekindle holiday cheer and state pride. 

The Ohio Statehouse holiday kickoff event is a special tradition that dates back to 1915. For nearly a hundred years, this annual celebration has brought Ohioans together for entertainment, relaxation and good cheer.  

Refreshments courtesy of Starbucks Coffee, Tim Hortons, Girls Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, Capitol Cafe by Milo's, Cabot Creamery Cooperative and the Statehouse Caterers.

The Holiday Festival:
Scheduled Holiday Festival activities include:

Ongoing Activity Stations:
Santa and Mrs. Claus Photo Station
Wreath Picture Frame Craft
Fa La La La La Face Painting
Reindeer Antler Hat Activity
Ohio Attorney General's Office Kids Zone
Statehouse Coloring Page Table
Penguin Craft
Candy Cane Reindeer Craft
Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments
Dress up Santa Claus Craft
Mini Holiday Tree Craft
State Auditor of Ohio’s Activity Table
Secretary of State’s Activity Table
Five Guys Burger and Fries Activity Table
Brightside Academy Activity Station

Shows on the Museum Gallery Stage:
5:45 to 6:05 p.m. — Yoyo Tricks by Jim Maneri

6:35 to 6:55 p.m. — “Kalinka” Children Folk Vocal-Dance Show

7:00 to 7:20 p.m. — Yoyo Tricks by Jim Maneri

Performances by:
Con Brio Children's Choir
The “Signs” of Christmas
Chapel Brass of the Salvation Army
Knotwork Flutes
Grove City Christian High School SUDDEN IMPACT
FCI Academy Kindergarten Village
Sacred Heart Youth Choir and Ensembles

Displays:
BalletMet Display
ColumbUS 200
Ohio Village Muffins Base Ball (historically two words) Team
Depot Train Display
Salvation Army Bell Ringer
ODOT Travel and Tourism Office open
Ohio Falun Dafa Association Display

Meet These Mascots:
Lou Seal
RATiO
Honey Bee
Clara and Nutcracker
Brutus the Buckeye
Christmas Cardinal
Chilly Bear
Cuppy from Tim Hortons