LIGHT UP THE SEASON: Detroit's 2012 Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Campus Martius

DETROIT (WXYZ) - O’Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree!

On November 16 at 7:30 p.m. WXYZ TV/Channel 7, along with the Detroit 300 Conservancy, presented “Light Up the Season,” the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, live from the heart of Detroit at Campus Martius Park.

This year’s holiday tree is a 55-foot Norway Spruce from Manton, Michigan. The tree is adorned with more than 19,000 LED Lights.

Hosted by 7 Action News anchors Carolyn Clifford and Stephen Clark, “Light Up The Season”  featured performances by Detroit vocalist KEM, the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Quintet, the Detroit Skating Club, the Arctic Figure Skating Club and the Metropolitan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus, as well as a visit from Santa himself. 7 First Alert Weather Meteorologist Dave Rexroth was rink-side to bring you all the fun and festivities.

“The tree lighting ceremony has become a great tradition in the city and we’re honored to be a part of it,” said Ed Fernandez, Divisional GM, E.W. Scripps Company and Vice-President/General Manager of WXYZ. “This is what the holiday season is all about…enjoying time with family and friends, and coming together as a community.”

This Metro Detroit family tradition marks the start of Winter Magic, a season of festivities that includes the grand opening of the ice rink at Campus Martius Park, and Christmas WonderFest, a European-style holiday marketplace on Cadillac Square.