Ring in the season with the Mayor’s 2012 Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant on Friday, November 30 in the heart of downtown Houston. The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music and family fun, with fireworks by Southwest Airlines. Seven-time Grammy Award winner, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review will headline the event with their legendary MOTOWN sounds. A towering 63-foot White Fir Holiday Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of downtown Houston this holiday season.

Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review will bring their unique R&B sounds and smooth delivery to Houston’s premier tree lighting with familiar favorites that include “My Girl,” “Papa was a Rolling Stone,” “Ball of Confusion,” “Just my Imagination” and more from the group’s gold and platinum record selections.

Immediately following the performance, eyes will light up as Mayor Annise D. Parker, our friends at Reliant, Santa Claus, and Houston Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairies, use their magic to light the Official Holiday Tree and ignite a spectacular fireworks presentation perfectly timed to the Hallelujah Chorus from “Handel’s Messiah” featuring The Ernest Walker Band and voices from the Abundant Life Cathedral, the Gospel Music Heritage choirs, and others.

“I invite my fellow Houstonians to join me at City Hall to continue this 93-year tradition of beginning the holiday season with friends and family and ignite our famous skyline with music, lights and fireworks,” said Mayor Annise Parker.

Other exciting performances will include Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; The Biohazard Brass Band 323d Army Band, “Fort Sam’s Own”; and the MacArthur Jammin’ Generals Drumline, under the direction of Marcie Chapa.

Brighten the holidays for a child this season by bringing a new unwrapped toy to the show for the Salvation Army Greater Houston Area. Receive a light up hat from Reliant and capture the spirit of the season at one of the festive photo opportunities for children and families throughout the event.

Sponsors include: Reliant, an NRG Company, Southwest Airlines, Houston Downtown Management District, Goldrush Getaway’s, James E. Bradshaw & Co., Land Rover Houston Central, Great American Cookies, Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Houston Public Library Foundation. The celebration is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Public parking is available in the Theater District. For more information, please visit www.houstontx.gov or www.houstonspecialevents.org .