ST. PAUL  (AP) - The Minnesota Governor's Residence is kicking off the holidays.

Holiday lights will be lit on the 20-foot balsam fir outside the St. Paul residence and on the tree at the state Capitol Thursday.

The residence will open for public tours on Dec. 1st, 8th and 15th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.

Volunteers from across the state decorate the home. A live eight-foot tree will stand in the drawing room. The tree will be decorated with ornaments commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Governor's Residence.

During the tours, volunteer guides from the Women's Auxiliary of the Minnesota Historical Society will be available to answer questions. The 1006 Summit Avenue Society will be offering merchandise for sale at each tour, with proceeds helping to support the historic Residence.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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