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Huge crowds expected for annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony in Campus Martius Park

Huge crowds expected for annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony in Campus Martius Park
Posted at 8:09 AM, Nov 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-18 09:39:12-05

For the 13th consecutive year, the Detroit 300 Conservancy continues its holiday tradition with the annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony in Campus Martius Park, presented by the DTE Energy Foundation. The event will be held Nov. 18, and features a 60-foot Michigan-grown Norway Spruce - a gift to the City of Detroit from the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy. The event begins at 5 p.m., and is free to the public.

The 13th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony and Show will be streamed LIVE online at www.WXYZ.com and broadcast LIVE on WXYZ TV 7 from 7 - 8 p.m.
 

Four-time platinum recording artist Aaron Neville, along with Olympic skating champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White, will headline the evening's entertainment, with appearances by local Detroit musical acts and five metro-area skating clubs.
 
The evening's lineup also includes the electro-pop violin band Nuclassica, Detroit's own 2014 Kresge Artist Fellowship recipient and operatic soprano Kisma Jordan, soul-moving inspiration from The Gospel Truth vocal ensemble, Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus and, Wyatt, a 14-year-old trombone player and Make-A-Wish Michigan Wish Kid.
 
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include The Salvation Army Family Fun Tent, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, free cinnamon rolls from IKEA in the Varming (Warming) Tent, free hot chocolate from DTE Energy Foundation, McDonald's giveaways and much more. The Salvation Army will light its giant Red Kettle at 6 p.m. and the entertainment show starts at 6:15 p.m. Detroit's Christmas Tree -- wrapped in more than 19,000 energy-efficient, multi-colored LED lights provided by DTE Energy, and decorated with sparkling red and silver ornaments, will be lit just before 8 p.m. The Rink Opening Party, with Channel 955, opens the rink to skaters for the season with a live music mix from 9 p.m. - midnight.