More than 25,000 people are expected to converge upon Campus Martius in downtown Detroit this evening for the city’s 11th annual tree-lighting ceremony.
It’s freezing, sure, and traffic will be stuffy, but the event features a packed schedule of entertainment, including: a performance from Jena Irene, a runner up on “American Idol;” a skating performance from Olympic Gold medalist, Ekaterina Gordeeva; ice skating on the Campus Martius pond; carriage rides; and more.
The 60-foot Christmas tree currently situated inside Campus Martius is covered with 19,000 LED lights, and will be lit at 7:45 p.m. If you can’t make it, and are still itching to enjoy the festivities in some way, WXYZ Channel 7 will broadcast rink-side between 7:30-8 p.m.
The event, which kicks off around 5 p.m., also includes music, photos with Santa Claus, and free hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, according to a flyer advancing the event. Anyone who wants a prime seat for the tree-lighting ceremony can pay $10, with proceeds going toward Campus Martius Park. The event is sponsored by a slew of businesses. More info is available at campusmartiuspark.org.
This article appears in Nov 19-25, 2014.
