Ashanti, Lalah Hathaway Headline Philadelphia City Hall Tree Lighting

Philadelphia kicked off the holiday season with the annual City Hall Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The ceremony took place on the north side of City Hall at North Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. 

Live musical performances by GRAMMY-winning artists Ashanti and Lalah Hathaway followed the tree lighting. Additional performances included those from the Philadelphia Girls Choir, jazz singer Laurin Talese, and Cassie Donegan (Miss America).

6abc provided broadcast support for the ceremony.

This year's 50-foot-tall, 75-year-old concolor fir from Stutzman Farms in New York will be displayed at City Hall through Jan. 1. The tree is reported to be larger and brighter, with a base that serves as a centerpiece and features more than 6,000 lights.

Thursday's festivities were part of Welcome America LLC's holiday programming, which also includes the Wawa Welcome America festival. Coming up, a free Santa photo opportunity will take place at the Comcast Center on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.