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Secretary of State Cole Jester to Host 87th Annual Capitol Christmas Lighting Ceremony

Posted on: 12/04/2025 2:35 pm

(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Secretary of State Cole Jester is pleased to invite all members of the media to the 87th annual Capitol Christmas Lighting Ceremony on December 6th, 2025. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the State Capitol steps. Media members are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

The ceremony will feature special live performances, along with remarks from Secretary Jester and a firework display. The inside of the Capitol will be open to the public following the ceremony from 6:30-9:00 p.m. to observe the Christmas decorations and a live violin performance of Christmas music in the Old Supreme Court room. 

About:

The tradition of the Capitol lighting began in 1938 when then Secretary “Crip” Hall wanted to do something special for the children at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He had suffered from polio and understood what the children facing life-threatening illnesses were undergoing. With that in mind, he wanted to lift their spirits during the holiday season.

Thanks to the example of Secretary Hall, we continue this tradition of remembering to keep love, kindness and compassion in our hearts. We light the Capitol so the children just across the way can partake in the fun as they gather around the windows to watch. There have only been a few years the Capitol could not be lit for Christmas. In 1941, our country suffered a devastating bombing during the attack on Pearl Harbor, bringing us into World War II. As our country fought with the Allies, the Capitol remained dark in 1943 and 1944, as the safety of our country was at risk. In 1986, one day before the 45th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Secretary of State Bill McCuen first shared the PEACE lights above the bronze doors, which are still displayed at the Christmas lighting today. The word PEACE continues to illuminate our State Capitol during holidays, constantly reminding us of the precious goal we all share: for peace in the world and to love our neighbors. 

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