City officials invite the community tonight to celebrate the City of Newark's 31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. today in the City Hall First Floor Rotunda, located at 920 Broad Street.
Performing at the ceremony will be Newark-raised operatic counter-tenor Derek Lee Ragin, one of today's foremost opera singers. He has performed across the globe in a wide array of operas for many companies, winning awards and critical accolades for his works.
The famed Newark Boys Chorus will also perform, and there will be giveaways for attending youth. The Salvation Army will provide free hot chocolate.
There will also be an information table on city-wide recreational activities, health, youth, and family programs.
The 30-foot Spruce tree will use 39,600 environmentally-friendly and energy-saving lights, powered by solar panels. The panels will collect solar energy during the day, storing it by night, and illuminate the tree at all times.
Santa Claus is expected to join the celebration to greet Newark youth at the event.