The Downtown Detroit Partnership along with DTE Energy Foundation will present the 14th consecutive Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m Nov. 17 at Campus Martius Park. The featured tree will be a 60 foot Norwegian Spruce grown in Michigan and will display 19,000 multi-colored lights and ornaments.
“The DTE Energy Foundation has been a proud sponsor of this iconic holiday tradition for 14 years, which helps to showcase the beauty of our city and draw visitors downtown throughout the season,” says Faye Nelson, vice president of DTE Energy, and board chair and president of the DTE Energy Foundation.
The show will be headlined by U.S Olympic medalist Jeremy Abbott, who began training at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills. Following Abbotts ice show will be performances by Detroit-based band Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, who appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and performed at Lollapalooza, and Detroit blues musician Thornetta Davis, who was inducted into the Detroit Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Additionally, the event will host a performance by three time Grammy nominated Motown singer/songwriter KEM.
“This year’s show will be an experience unlike any yet,” says Robert Gregory, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Spectacular city views plus award-winning, home grown entertainment is sure to leave a lasting impression with all attendees. Jeremy Abbott, Jessica Hernandez, Thornetta Davis and KEM are just a few of the performers who have strong ties to Detroit. It will truly be a celebration of our great city.”
The event will start with a performance by the Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, Detroit Concert Choir, the Casali Holiday Dancers, Make-A-Wish Michigan solo vocalist, the Detroit Skating Club, and the Dearborn Senior Crystallettes. Attendees will also have the opportunity for carriage rides along Woodward, the Salvation Army Family Fun Tent, photographs with Santa, hot chocolate, and a drink at the Winter Fountain.
The Detroit Christmas Tree will be lit just before 8 p.m. and the event is open to the public.
