The 12th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius is the event that tells us that the holiday season has officially begun in Detroit. This year, the tree lighting festivities will take place Nov. 20 at 5 p.m., with events lasting until midnight. The tree will be lit just before 8 p.m.

The grand tree, a Michigan-grown Norway Spruce, was provided by DTE Energy Foundation. The tree anxiously awaits being filled with light, as it has sat majestically atop the Woodward Fountain since Nov. 4. Standing over 60 feet tall, and weighing over 10,000 pounds, this tree will undoubtedly be the largest in Detroit. And with over 19,000 energy-efficient, multi-colored LED lights and ornaments, it may even be the most beautiful.

“The DTE Energy Foundation’s presentation of the holiday tree to the city of Detroit – and to all the residents and visitors who come out to enjoy its beauty – is truly one of the most special gifts the DTE Energy Foundation provides each year,” said Faye Nelson, vice president, Public Affairs, DTE Energy and president of the DTE Energy Foundation.

Aside from the massive size and multitude of lights on the tree, the Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is memorable for another reason: the entertainment.

This year, each performer will have Detroit roots, including Karen Newman, the nationally recognized chorale United Voices of Detroit, Michigan Opera Theatre’s Holiday Ensemble and Children’s Choir, Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band, and a very special musical performance from Emily Sobeck, a Make-A-Wish Michigan Wish Kid.

Honoring the city’s Motown history, the Four Tops will be headlining the event, along with former World Champion and Olympic skating legend, Todd Eldredge. The Dearborn Figure Skating Club’s nationally recognized synchronized skating team, the Crystallettes, and other skaters from the Detroit Skate Club, the Arctic Figure Skating Club and the Creative Edge Ice Theatre will also take to the rink throughout the evening, shining a light on the rich history of skating in Detroit.

The Rink Opening Party, joined by Channel 95.5 FM, will run from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. In addition to skating, attendees can enjoy The Salvation Army Family Fun Tent, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and Showcase D’ Holidays.