North Carolina State Capitol: Holiday Tree Lighting & Historic Open House

About this adventure

The North Carolina State Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House is one of Raleigh's most venerable civic traditions, marking the official start of the statewide holiday season on historic Capitol Square. The festivities begin on the south grounds with holiday musical performances by the Raleigh Concert Band, the lighting of luminaries lining the brick walkways, and the ceremonial lighting of the towering North Carolina-grown Fraser fir tree with Santa Claus. Following the ceremony, visitors are welcomed inside the historic 1840 State Capitol building for the Holiday Open House, where historic chambers and the rotunda are lavishly adorned with traditional greenery, heirloom ornaments, live choral performances, and children's heritage craft stations. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Capitol Square's paved brick and stone walkways are flat and accessible; the State Capitol building has elevator access from the ground level to the rotunda and second-floor chambers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated public restrooms with baby changing facilities are located inside the Capitol ground level; the quiet grass lawns under ancient shade oaks offer peaceful resting spots. • Age Suitability: All ages welcome. Children love meeting Santa on the south steps, watching the giant tree light up, and listening to festive music echo in the soaring Capitol rotunda. • Sensory Tips: The outdoor tree lighting is calm with classic acoustic band music and choral singing; the historic building interior has gentle warm lighting without flashing lights or loud sound effects.