The holiday season is underway in Houston. From winter wonderlands, Downtown holiday lights, and Yuletide bars, a large part of the city has already dusted off their Santa hats and ugly sweaters and reveling in holiday cheer. Early December, however, the city will officially start the holiday season with the annual Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular and Houston’s officially tree lighting.
Taking place on Saturday, December 7, in Hermann Square at City Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is a FREE annual event for all ages that marks the official tree lighting of Houston. To commemorate the holiday event, the Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular will feature a stacked entertainment lineup with dance performances, live music, and fireworks.
“This amazing family-friendly celebration is an incredible way to kick-off the holiday season for Houstonians,” said Mayor John Whitmire in a press release. “I encourage everyone to join us for some holiday cheer and to celebrate the most festive and wonderful time of the year. I thank Reliant and our other generous sponsors for their support.”
The Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular will be headlined by two-time, Grammy award-winner and Destiny’s Child co-founder, LeToya Luckett, and multi-nominated Academy of Country Music New Female Vocalist, RaeLynn.
Other performances at the Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular in Houston include Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts theatre department, Shepherd School of Music Mariachi Luna Llena, Playhouse 1960, KIPP Sharp Singers, Dance of Asian America, and Carver/Aldine high School Dance Company.
The event will be topped off with the 48-foot White Fir Christmas tree lighting – bearing 100,000 lights and 4,000 ornaments – synched with “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel Messiah and fireworks.
While supplies last, event sponsor, Reliant, will hand out free blinking Santa hats to attendees. The Gingerbread Village will also be on site with seasonal food and beverages. Of course, Santa Clause himself will be in the mix to capture photos with the kiddos.
Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular takes place in Hermann Square at City Hall from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, December 7.
See also: 32 fun and festive things to do December in Houston