Philly Holiday Tree arrives at City Hall as city prepares for festive season

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The star of the holiday season arrived at City Hall on Wednesday morning: a White Fir standing more than 50 feet tall and estimated to be 75 years old.

Officials placed the tree on the north side of City Hall and previewed the celebrations to come.

"The most wonderful time of year is about to light up our city," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.

The tree, officially known as the "Philly Holiday Tree," came from Stutzman Family Farms in Upstate New York.

Before being secured at its new base, it hovered over Broad Street and JFK Boulevard as leaders set the stage for holiday favorites like the Christmas Village and Rothman Ice Rink, along with new features including free family activities.

"There's going to be a whole new activation area called Candy Cane Lane. We want people to have a good time," said Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene.

The tree-lighting celebration, produced by Welcome America and presented by Bank of America and 6abc, will take place Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be broadcast live on 6abc and streaming platforms.

"I think we all feel great at 6abc that we're bringing the holidays at an elevated level every year," said 6abc President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica.

"This is one of our biggest productions of the year, especially since it's live," added John Morris, 6abc vice president of multiplatform programming. "Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, and Alicia Vitarelli do an incredible job."

Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Ashanti will headline the event, performing in front of the sparkling tree powered by sponsor NRG.

"There are 6,000 LED lights along with 100 meteor lights that'll be twinkling throughout the holiday season," said Dan McCunney with NRG.

The tree, which weighs about 8,000 pounds, is bare for now, but workers will soon begin installing lights and ornaments.

"We can't wait to celebrate with all of you," Parker said. "Welcome to the holiday season and we're going to have an amazing time!"