Easleys kick off holidays with Christmas tree lighting

Gov. Mike Easley and first lady Mary Easley lit the North Carolina's Christmas tree on the Capitol grounds Wednesday night.

Festivities began at 5 p.m. and included music, food and children's activities.

The Raleigh Garden Club has a 30-year tradition of decorating the Capitol. This year's theme is "North Carolina Home for the Holidays."

Free tours begin Thursday at the governor's mansion, also decked out in holiday attire and live greens that come from the mansion's yard and three massive Christmas trees from the North Carolina mountains.

The open house runs Dec. 11 to Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

First lady Mary Easley gave WRAL News' Amanda Lamb a sneak peek of the tour. Check it out here.