State Capitol open house, Executive Mansion holiday tours this week
North Carolina will officially kick off the holiday season with the State Capitol tree lighting and open house and Executive Mansion holiday tours this week.
The annual tree lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m., Thursday on Capitol Square with luminaries and holiday music. Gov. Roy Cooper and other officials will be on hand starting around 6:15 p.m. to light the tree. There also will be free cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. An open house inside the Capitol begins at 6:30 p.m. when the public is invited to see the holiday decorations and enjoy some music.
Holiday music also is scheduled for the Capitol from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
The state's Executive Mansion, the official home of the governor, will offer holiday tours Thursday through Sunday. A favorite with my family, you can walk through the first floor of the home to check out the massive Christmas trees and decorations.
Hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday.
Admission is free to all events at the State Capitol and Executive Mansion.
