Philly Holiday Tree presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® powered by NRG 

Every year around this time Welcome America, Inc. and the City of Philadelphia event organizers have a tall order. About 50 feet tall. The annual Philly Holiday Tree presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® powered by NRG will shine a light on Center City, marking the unofficial start of the holidays in Philly. The tree will be illuminated to kick off the show, followed by performances by Keyshia Cole — a Grammy-nominated R&B singer, songwriter, TV personality and actor — Mr. Hollywood DJ, and Liamani, 16-year-old star of Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical. Enjoy pre-show activities including a performance by the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, the cast of STOMP, and giveaway items. The real star, of course, is the towering 55-year-old Abie Concolor/White Fir. If you’re counting, there will be more than 6,000 new lights wrapped snuggly around the old tree, which is supported by a custom-fabricated tree base identifying city neighborhoods. The pedestal boasts a soundtrack playing holiday classics and messages in multiple languages. The main program will be broadcast live on 6abc and hosted by Cecily Tynan, Rick Williams, and Alicia Vitarelli. Giveaways: Free, 6 to 8 p.m.; 7 p.m. the 6abc broadcast begins (a live stream also is available). Wawa Holiday Plaza, north side of City Hall, Broad Street, and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. phillyholidays.com.