It is officially Christmas in Georgia. The 42-foot tall tree outside of the Governor’s mansion was lit Sunday evening with thousands of Christmas lights, signaling the beginning of the season.
Agencies all over Georgia came together to decorate the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta. Pinecones collected by the Department of Natural Resources covered multiple surfaces throughout the house while the Department of Agriculture added fruits and vegetables to decorate banisters, countertops, nooks and crannies.
But the spectacular sights are just half of the wonder.
The Governor’s Mansion hosts performers — musicians and colonial reenactors — every day that they are open to coincide with the theme of “An Early Georgia Christmas.”
Each room in the Mansion is decorated to resemble an early Georgia, with old-fashioned strollers, dolls and decorations. Rather than having a string of Christmas lights circling the trees, each tree in the Governor’s Mansion lights up with safe candles.
While you’re at the Governor’s Mansion, don’t forget to drop off your toys. They have Toys for Tots collection boxes outside of the front door. As Governor Deal said, “The season is one of giving and not receiving.”
Gallery Items:
This Christmas tree in front of the Governor's Mansion is from Conyers, Georgia. It is 42 feet tall, weighs 3200 pounds and has 3800 lights.
At the Governor's Mansion Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance.
Every day that the Mansion is open, a different group of singers will be performing. This night, carolers from Columbus, Georgia came to entertain visitors.
Governor Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal thank all people involved in decorating the Governor's Mansion, making it such a wonderful Christmas tradition.
Feel free to bring toys for the Toys for Tots collection box when you visit the Governor's Mansion!
Each year, Mansion kitchen executive chef, Holly Chute, decorates a gingerbread house.
Crowds of people come to see the Governor's Mansion decorated for Christmas.
Governor Deal and Mrs. Deal cabbage patch dolls!
In accordance with this year's theme of "An Early Georgia," each room has old toys, strollers or decorations.
Instead of stringing the tree with lights, every tree in the house is lit up by safe, non-flammable candles.
The Governor’s Mansion Christmas Tours started on Dec. 9 and run until Dec. 20. They are open every day at different times, so make sure you check what time it is before going!
Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
To see last year's theme and pictures, check out Georgia.gov's last blog about the Christmas Tours.
About the Author
Bethany McDaniel is the Editorial Director for GeorgiaGov. She graduated from Berry College in Rome, Ga., with degrees in Visual Communication and History.
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This Christmas tree in front of the Governor's Mansion is from Conyers, Georgia. It is 42 feet tall, weighs 3200 pounds and has 3800 lights.
At the Governor's Mansion Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance.
Every day that the Mansion is open, a different group of singers will be performing. This night, carolers from Columbus, Georgia came to entertain visitors.
Governor Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal thank all people involved in decorating the Governor's Mansion, making it such a wonderful Christmas tradition.
Feel free to bring toys for the Toys for Tots collection box when you visit the Governor's Mansion!
Each year, Mansion kitchen executive chef, Holly Chute, decorates a gingerbread house.
Crowds of people come to see the Governor's Mansion decorated for Christmas.
Governor Deal and Mrs. Deal cabbage patch dolls!
In accordance with this year's theme of "An Early Georgia," each room has old toys, strollers or decorations.
Instead of stringing the tree with lights, every tree in the house is lit up by safe, non-flammable candles.