(CBS DETROIT) - Downtown Detroit will begin to be a lot brighter just in time for the Christmas season. The city will host its 21st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday.

It is the unofficial start to the holidays in downtown Detroit, as tens of thousands flock to Campus Martius Park for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting

A 66-foot Norway spruce is this year's tree as the holiday season kicks off with tree lighting, ice skating and more.

(CBS DETROIT) — In preparation for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the city of Detroit will close certain roads downtown beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The closures surrounding Campus Martius will run through 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The three main acts for the 2024 Detroit Tree Lighting include Alex Sampson, Southern Avenue and Thornetta Davis taking center stage at the MGM Detroit Main Stage.

Tens of thousands of people joined Santa as he counted down to the lighting of Detroit’s 66-foot Christmas tree in Campus Martius Park on Friday.

If you're planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, here's a few places in metro Detroit to get you started.

The 21st annual Christmas tree lighting in Campus Martius promises to “bring holiday magic to life” with a spectacular celebration in the heart of downtown Detroit. This cherished seasonal event will feature star-studded musical performances (including Alex Sampson of America’s Got Talent,

According to recent data, 70% of Detroit households experience food insecurity. But a group of local restaurant owners are working making a difference at the Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in the downtown area.