Joyful Night 2023 and State Christmas Tree Lighting

Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice host this year's Joyful Night celebration on the South Steps of the West Virginia State Capitol.

The focal point of this year's festivities will be the lighting of the State Christmas Tree, a 50 ft Balsam Fir specially harvested this year from Randolph County's Kumbrabow State Forest, which was delivered and mounted earlier this week. The West Virginia Division of Forestry, the General Services Division, and the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) all participated in the cutting, transporting, and positioning of the tree.

At 6:30 p.m, the Governor and First Lady will join those gathered at the South Steps of the State Capitol to illuminate the State Christmas Tree, adorned with holiday decorations. This special occasion marks the official commencement of the holiday season, bringing warmth and joy to the hearts of West Virginians across the state. During the Tree Lighting Ceremony, guests will also hear a special reading of a Mark Harshman Christmas poem by Winfield High School student and creative writing contest winner Braylee Smolder, along with other musical performances.

Prior to the tree lighting ceremony, attendees are invited to gather at Lincoln Plaza on the south side of the Capitol at 6:00 p.m., where they will be entertained by seasonal tunes from the Philip Barbour High School Band, Capital High School VIP’s Show Choir, and the Barboursville Elementary Choir.