Keystone Today

On December 5, Gov. Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf were on-hand for the 2022 Tree Lighting Ceremony at the state capitol in Harrisburg, where they celebrated the holiday season with members of the Pennsylvania community.

According to a release by Wolf’s office, the tree that is lit up this year is a 20-foot Douglas fir that came from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, located in Carbon County. The tree is donned with more than 900 LED lights and at least 700 handmade ornaments. The ornaments were donated by students and seniors in coordination with Pre-K for PA and the state’s Department of Aging.

“Each year, this ceremony reminds me of the common bonds we share across humanity,” Wolf said. “During this holiday season, let us celebrate and strengthen those bonds by reaching out to those in need, by sharing what we have with others, and by extending our kindness beyond our friends and families to strangers and acquaintances who we know to be different than us.”

Department of General Services Acting Secretary Joe Lee and Bishop Audrey Scanlan of the Central Pennsylvania Episcopal Diocese were also involved in the ceremony. Christmas carols were performed by the Central Dauphin High School Choir and children were happy to see Santa Claus arrive.

“Pennsylvanians will celebrate many holidays over the next several months,” Wolf said. “No matter which holiday you celebrate, I wish every Pennsylvanian a very happy holiday season.”

The Rotunda tree is lit each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The tree on the steps of the capitol, also from Crystal Springs Tree Farm, is lit from 5 p.m. to midnight through January 6.