Philadelphia’s Holiday Tree Arrives; Ashanti to Perform at Lighting Ceremony

As Philadelphia gears up for the festive season, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has announced that acclaimed R&B artist Ashanti will headline the city’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration. The event is set to take place on Thursday, December 4, at 6 p.m., bringing holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.

Ashanti rose to prominence in the early 2000s with an impressive collection of hits both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other music icons, including Ja Rule, Big Pun, and Jennifer Lopez. Her contributions to the music industry were further highlighted by the release of her Christmas album, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” in 2003, which features timeless classics such as “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “The Christmas Song.”

In addition to Ashanti, the festive program will include performances by the Philadelphia Girls Choir, renowned singer Laurin Talese—who is known for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”—and DJ Nico from iHeartRadio. This lineup aims to create a vibrant holiday atmosphere that resonates with the diverse cultural tapestry of Philadelphia.

A centerpiece of the celebration, the Philadelphia holiday tree has already made its arrival. Situated on the north side of City Hall, at the intersection of Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, the 75-year-old white fir (Abies concolor) was transported from Stutzman Farms in Hornell, New York. Dan Stutzman Jr., the current owner of the farm and son of the tree’s original planter, expressed gratitude for the city’s warm reception of their tree.

The tree will be adorned with a dazzling display of lights, courtesy of Proof Productions, from November 17 through November 28, adding to the festive atmosphere of the city during this special time of year. Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, emphasized the unique charm of Philadelphia during the holidays, underscoring the significance of the holiday tree installation in capturing the spirit of the season.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be broadcast live on December 4 at 7 p.m. on 6abc. The event is organized by Welcome America in collaboration with the Office of the City Representative, aiming to unite the community in celebration.

For more detailed information about the event and festivities, interested individuals can visit the official holiday tree website. As Philadelphia embraces the holiday season, the Tree Lighting Ceremony promises to be a festive occasion that showcases the city’s cultural richness and communal spirit.