Governor Lights Up Tree

The historic Bridges House was illuminated with lights, song, and revelry as Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, and her husband, Tom, hosted family, friends, and well-wishers at the annual tree lighting on Dec. 3.

Attendees enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate, sang Christmas carols along with the Rundlett Middle School chorus, hung out with Santa, and counted down from 10 for the ceremonial tree lighting.

Hassan said all the people attending the event was a nice way to ring in the holiday.

“It’s really fun to have the community here,” she said, “to mark the beginning of the season. It’s a time to remember how important it is to be together, to support each other, and give back to the community.”

The Bridges House is considered to be the governor’s mansion although the governor’s family rarely resides in the building. It was donated to the state in 1969 by former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Styles Bridges’ family.

Here is a video montage of some of the happenings.