Gov. Bill Lee and first lady Maria Lee celebrated Christmas at the Capitol on Monday evening with the lighting of the state's Christmas tree.

The annual event featured live performances from the 129th Army Band and the Choir Room choir, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself.

The Lees read Song of the Stars to children prior to the lighting of this year's state Christmas tree, a 35-foot Norway spruce which was donated by Springfield U.S. Army veteran Dexie Goff.

“We hope that this season is a great blessing to you as we celebrate the birth of Christ, and the hope that that brings to the people of the world,” Gov. Lee said.

Representatives from Franklin-based non-profit My Friend’s House served as guests of honor, and some attendees brought donations of canned foods and baby diapers in support of Sevier County Food Ministries.

The event was not without its detractors as several people silently protested Lee's planned push to expand school vouchers, and several other protesters led a chant calling for the U.S. to support a ceasefire in besieged Palestine.

The public can also tour the Tennessee Residence from Dec. 1-3 and 7-10 where the holiday décor theme “Heaven and Nature Sing” portrays the “larger-than-life magic experienced during the holiday season, the beauty of Tennessee’s natural landscapes, and the joy of the coming of Christ and the salvation of the world.”

The tours are self-guided and free to the public but require a reservation online.