Calendar of Events

December 1st, 2015 - December 23rd, 2015

Festive music and celebration began at our Capitol as early as December 1869, during its triumphant opening. The halls were festooned with flowers and two musical bands performed. Fourteen years later, amid much fanfare, D.O. Mill’s gift of the statue Columbus at the Court of Spain was officially presented to the State of California as generous holiday gesture.

Past Governors established a tradition of celebrating the winter holidays by adorning the Capitol with garlands and placing decorated trees in their office. This year, thanks to the State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association, Christmas trees and Victorian holiday garland once again adorn the historic offices on the 1st Floor. Take a peek!

Since 1996 the California State Capitol Museum, in association with the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of General Services has worked to restore holiday traditions inside the Capitol with daily musical concerts and early twentieth century decorations. In addition, the Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and the lighting of the Menorah on the West Steps brings the festivities outdoors for all to enjoy.