All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia’s Joyful Night celebration returns Dec. 4 with special State Christmas Tree from Watoga State Park

Photo courtesy W.Va. Governor's Office

CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice cordially invite all West Virginians to join them at this year’s Joyful Night celebration, taking place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. on the South Steps of the West Virginia State Capitol.

The focal point of this year’s festivities will be the lighting of the State Christmas Tree, a 54-ft Norwood Spruce specially harvested this year from Pocahontas County’s Watoga State Park.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry, the General Services Division, and the West Virginia Division of Highways all participated in the cutting, transporting, and positioning of the tree. (Click here for a tree-decorating video.)

“Our Joyful Night celebration has always been a highlight of the holiday season for Cathy and me,” Gov. Justice said. “For the past eight years, it’s been an incredible honor to kick off the holidays with our extended West Virginia family. This year, though, it’s bittersweet knowing this will be our final celebration as your Governor and First Lady. But let me tell you—we will make this one count. This Joyful Night celebration will be the biggest, most special one yet, and we can’t think of anyone else we’d rather share it with than all of you. It’s a night you truly won’t want to miss. We hope you’ll join us as we come together to celebrate the season, our amazing community, and the love we all share for our beautiful state.”

Prior to the tree lighting ceremony, attendees are invited to gather at Lincoln Plaza on the south side of the Capitol at 6:00 p.m., where they will be entertained by seasonal tunes from the Woodrow Wilson High School Band, Nitro High School Showcats Show Choir, and the Barboursville Elementary Choir. 

Following the tree lighting ceremony, guests are encouraged to embark on a journey through the Capitol Complex. In the West Rotunda of the State Capitol, visitors can admire the beautifully decorated trees honoring Gold Star Mothers, members of the Armed Forces, and First Responders. The Red Cross will also be present, providing a special card for military personnel currently serving our country.

Image courtesy W.Va. Governor’s Office

Meanwhile, the Culture Center’s Great Hall will transform into a winter wonderland, offering light refreshments and showcasing the winning ornaments from the First Lady’s West Virginia Student Ornament Competition.

For those unable to attend the event in person, West Virginia Public Broadcasting will broadcast the celebration live on the West Virginia Channel.

Viewers can also tune in to the Governor’s and First Lady’s social media platforms – YouTube, X, and Facebook – to view the event from the comfort of their homes.

The full video of the event will be available on-demand on the Governor’s and First Lady’s social media platforms following the conclusion of the Joyful Night celebration.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/zQYlUQjPf3w
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WVGovernor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wvgovernor

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Academy Elementary to present “December in My Hometown” musical performance at Wesley Chapel

Buckhannon Academy Elementary will present its December in My Hometown musical at Wesley Chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., showcasing diverse songs from all grade levels after months of practice.

Beverly woman charged with drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine

A 37-year-old woman faces five to 30 years in prison after a traffic stop allegedly uncovered drugs, cash and text messages about purchasing a pound of methamphetamine.

Upshur County Schools announces Pre-K registration days for January

Upshur County Schools has announced Pre-K Registration Days at schools throughout the county in January. Parents can register their youngest learners at various locations starting Jan. 9.

Dustin Lee Young

Dustin Lee Young, 43, of Orlando, WV, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School graduate who loved the outdoors, movies and animals, died December 4, 2025; visitation and funeral will be held at Clutter Funeral and Cremation.

Robert Dale Cable

Robert Dale Cable, 90, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired oil and gas drill manager, Mason and Sand Run Baptist Church member who loved hunting and family, died December 3, 2025, and will be cremated; donations to Shriners Children Hospital or Sand Run Baptist Church.

Man arrested for DUI after February crash on Route 33 causes juvenile to suffer brain bleed

A 39-year-old man was arrested last week in relation to a February incident where he allegedly rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light, causing a juvenile passenger to be flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with a brain bleed.

WVWC launches BobcAT Early Assurance Program for future athletic trainers

West Virginia Wesleyan College is offering high school students a new pathway to earn a Master of Athletic Training degree in just five years.

Buckhannon Community Theatre brings holiday magic to stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR

Holiday magic hits the Colonial Arts Center this weekend as Buckhannon Community Theatre presents the 60-minute, family-friendly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR, celebrating the joy of being uniquely you.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 15: The end is here

The new four-class setup delivered a lopsided West Virginia high school football semifinals, and Duane breaks down why as he previews this weekend’s championships. He also reacts to WVU and Marshall missing bowls and shares Week 15 picks plus a readers’ contest update.