Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter are inviting the public to the state Capitol today at 5 p.m. for a holiday season celebration including the ceremonial lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree. The 25^th Army Band will begin playing at 5, and there will be complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies. The tree-lighting ceremony is set to start at 5:30, and will include choir performances. After the tree lighting, people are invited inside the Capitol, where they can visit the governor’s ceremonial office and the Capitol Gift Shop, which will be selling items including a state Christmas ornament. Free books will be given to children who attend.

“At a time of rapid and sometimes wrenching changes in our nation and the world, it’s good to take the time to appreciate timeless virtues and come together in a joyful celebration of the holiday season,” Otter said in a statement. “Idahoans have a lot for which to be thankful. Miss Lori and I hope this annual tree lighting ceremony helps everyone pause to focus on the blessings of family, friends and faith, and hopes for an even brighter future.”