STATEHOUSE NEWS

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Columbus, OH – The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) invites the public to celebrate holidays in December at the Ohio Statehouse. Starting at the 2023 Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, CSRAB then welcomes all to enjoy other activities throughout the rest of the month: performances by local schools, decorations, tours and special items and sales at the Statehouse Museum Shop.

Capitol Square will kick off the holiday season at the annual Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Monday, December 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. After Santa, the Governor, and First Lady of Ohio light the tree in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, cookies, craft activities and performances by Ohio choirs and dance companies will be available throughout the evening. Find further details about this family-friendly event on the Statehouse calendar at OhioStatehouse.org.

During the rest of December, other special performances by students from across Ohio will be open to the public. On weekdays, school choirs will perform at noon in the Museum Gallery, on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. As the legislative schedule allows, The Ohio Channel will also live-stream many of the concerts:

Dec. 5 - Milton-Union "Center Stage" Show Choir
Dec. 6 - (10 a.m.) Harp Music by Olivia Claggett
(12 p.m.) Bells of Our Lady & Schola Cantorum
Dec. 7 - Immaculate Conception Academy
Dec. 8 - Warren High School Choir and Hand Bells
Dec. 11 - Centennial High School Choir
Dec. 12 - Columbus Alternative High School Ensembles
Dec. 13 - Grandview Heights “The Grandview Singers”
Dec. 14 - Hamilton Twp. High School Choir
Dec. 15 - Belle Haven Unified Chorus and Orff Ensemble
Dec. 18 - Lancaster High School Chamber Singers
Dec. 19 - Hilliard Davidson High School BKOTB

Throughout the month, the Statehouse Museum Shop will feature Ohio-themed gifts and the collectible 2023 Ohio Statehouse Christmas Ornament. Visitors to the Ohio Statehouse from December 4 through December 8 may have a sweet discount during the Candy Cane Sale. Shoppers may pull a candy cane to find a discount of 15% to 40% off their total purchase. See Shop for details and exclusions.

The Ohio Statehouse also offers public tours every day except state holidays. Guided tours start in the Map Room, on the ground floor, at the top of every hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Out-of-town guests may enjoy a free tour of the Ohio Statehouse during their stay in Ohio.

Inside the Ohio Statehouse, modern decorations reminiscent of the nineteenth century highlight the historical character of the building, completed in 1861. Outside, red and green lights will illuminate Capitol Square.

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