'Christmas at the Capitol' marks kickoff to holiday season in South Dakota

PIERRE — The Christmas season has officially started in South Dakota’s capital city.

Gov. Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem, along with Pierre Mayor Steve Harding, hosted the annual state Capitol tree lighting ceremony in Pierre Tuesday night, marking the kickoff of the holiday display that has become a must-see attraction in the state.

This year, over 90 trees adorn the hallways of the building, displaying the ornaments of different service organizations and groups across the state that were chosen to decorate them.

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“This is always a special event and the kickoff to the holiday season in South Dakota,” Noem said, noting that the lighting ceremony has become one of her favorite events to attend as governor.

This year, the theme is “Through a Child’s Eye.” The featured tree – a 28-foot Colorado blue spruce – was donated by Deb Lutz and her family from Mobridge. Lutz’s daughter, Carrie, planted the tree’s seed 30 years ago with her dad, Darwin. Carrie’s dad, a regular attendee to Christmas at the Capitol every year, dreamed of donating the tree for the annual affair. Darwin passed away in 2021, but this year, that wish finally came true.

The tree was decorated by this year’s prime sponsor, the YMCA Youth Development organization – in coordination with the Oahe YMCA in Pierre. The decorations, which include candies, desserts and miscellaneous Christmas trinkets, are extremely large in size as a way to capture the way that kids see Christmas time.

Noem encouraged others to think of the holiday season this year in the way that a child does.

“I think you’ll find it’s even more memorable and enjoyable when we look at it like they do,” Noem said.

In addition to the tree and decorations displayed on three floors of the Capitol, various events and celebrations will occur throughout the duration of the display. They can be followed on Christmas at the Capitol’s Facebook page. Children are also encouraged to leave letters for Santa in the mailbox, located on the first floor near the first ladies and gentleman display.

Christmas at the Capitol is open to viewing by the public every day until Dec. 26, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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