103rd Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

It’s never too early for holiday cheer! I am pleased to invite Milwaukee residents to the 103rd Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 17, 2016, starting at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. We’re excited to welcome the City Christmas Tree home to City Hall once again! Program: 5:00 p.m. - Musical Entertainment 5:15 p.m. - Official Program 5:29 p.m. - Tree Lighting The event is free and open to the public. Performances include the Lincoln Center of the Arts Ambassador Choir, Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, and the cast from the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol.” There will be special appearances by Santa Claus and his reindeer, Rudolph, Vixen & Holly, and characters from the Milwaukee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” This year’s Christmas tree is designed by Milwaukee’s very own, Dynamic Events by David Caruso. Custom ornaments crafted by local artists will be hung from the tree to represent Milwaukee’s many flourishing neighborhoods. The 2016 City Christmas Tree celebration is in partnership with Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Mandel Group, Inc., Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Associated Bank, and Linda & Scott Haag. The City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is made possible by our production partners, including Dynamic Events by David Caruso, Canopies Events, Majic Productions, Front Room Photography, Mindspike, Starbucks, and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. Hot cocoa will be provided by Starbucks. After the tree lighting, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival kick-off extravaganza will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park. Live music begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and fireworks show. Free hot cocoa and cookies, plus Jingle Bus rides, will be available and is presented by Meijer.