The State Capitol’s annual tree lighting on Wednesday combined ceremony and a push for holiday donations, with Governor Newsom and the first family joining two 5‑year‑old twins displaced by the Altadena wildfire to illuminate a 60‑foot tree on the West Steps.

The invite‑only portion of the program took place in the Capitol Rotunda, while reporters and onlookers gathered outside. Speaker 1 opened the broadcast by saying, "Holiday spirit is shining bright tonight," setting a festive tone for the event.

Organizers used the occasion to ask for donations. "In the spirit of the holiday season and the spirit of service ... to call on people to continue to donate at a time when so many people in our community are in need," said Speaker 3, encouraging support for local food assistance.

A pop‑up food drive at the event was announced as benefiting Sacramento Food Bank And Family Services. Speaker 5 described why the food drive is needed: "The holidays are tough for families. They have a limited budget that they're trying to stretch ... So, food tends to fall by the wayside sometimes." The organizers said providing food frees limited household funds for gifts and holiday meals.

Onsite reporting noted family attractions and activities for children, including a small train. Speaker 4, reporting from the West Steps, pointed to the lit tree and described the crowd: "The tree lit up right behind me right there. 60 feet tall." The lighting concluded with a communal countdown and applause.

KCRA 3's Andre Spai was mentioned by on‑air staff as reporting live from the West Steps. The ceremony closed with seasonal greetings from attendees and the countdown to Christmas.

The event combined ceremonial tradition with a public appeal for charity; organizers said donations will go to Sacramento Food Bank And Family Services to help households facing tight budgets this season.