RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The Christmas season officials gets underway Thursday night in Raleigh. Gov. Pat McCrory will light he North Carolina Christmas tree on the South Lawn of the State Capitol.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with performances by the Middlesex Church of God Trio and the Raleigh Concert Band.

After the tree is lit around 6:30 p.m., the Capitol will host an open house. The Executive Mansion will also be open to visitors until 8 p.m.