State Tree to be Lit Tuesday at the Capitol

West Virginia’s annual Joyful Night celebration and tree lighting ceremony will be held Tuesday evening at the state capitol in Charleston.

The governor’s office announced that the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the South Plaza. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and first lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin will light the state Christmas Tree at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at the Governor’s Mansion.

The Appalachian Children’s Chorus and the Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus will perform, along with school bands and musicians. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make an appearance.

The governor asks those planning to attend to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign. The evening will include a reception for Gold Star families, military members and first responders.