HOUSTON MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION SET FOR DECEMBER 3

MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION SET FOR DECEMBER 3

Lighting of the Official Holiday Tree Sponsored by Reliant Energy

and Fireworks Presented by Southwest Airlines

Houstonians will get on the Holiday “Love Train” and ring in the season with the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration, a holiday tradition of music, festivities, and the Lighting of the Official Holiday Tree sponsored by Reliant Energy with fireworks presented by Southwest Airlines. Maria Todd and Brad Booker of MIX 96-5 will be the official Emcees for the Holiday Celebration. Eddie Levert of The O’Jays will headline the event which is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at City Hall. A towering 70-foot White Fir holiday tree, glowing with energy efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights from Reliant Energy, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of Downtown Houston this holiday season.

Headlining the evening’s celebration is Grammy Award winner Eddie Levert of The O’Jays.

Immediately following the performance, eyes will light up as Mayor Annise Parker, Reliant Energy President Jason Few, Santa Claus and the Sugar Plum Fairy use their magic to Light the Official Holiday Tree sponsored by Reliant Energy and ignite a magnificent Fireworks presentation by Southwest Airlines perfectly timed to Hallelujah from “Handel’s Messiah” and sung by the Bayou City Chorale of Houston.

Other exciting yuletide performances include: HISD Exemplary Magnet School, Parker Elementary’s Advanced Chorus under the direction of Marianna Parnas Simpson and Parker Performing Strings under the direction of cellist Lisa Vosdoganes and violinist Timothy Peters; performers from MTV’S “America’s Best Dance Crew,” Soreal Dance Studio; Members of Bayou City Chorale of Houston; Masquerade Theatre under the direction of Phillip Duggins; Hamilton Loomis, and his band; KIPP SHARP Singers; and The Mayor’s Official Holiday Band, under the direction of Ernest Walker.

There will also be festive photo opportunities for children and families throughout the event as they can have their holiday pictures taken with Santa or characters from the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker. Additionally, attendees may send a personalized holiday message to a military member at the vitaminwater “Holiday Greetings for the Troops” area.

Reliant Energy is partnering with KHOU Channel 11 for a Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command through Dec. 20. The public is invited to bring a new unwrapped toy to the Reliant Energy booth at the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and make the holidays brighter for a child this season.

Public parking in the Theater District.

For more information, please visit www.houstontx.gov or www.houstonspecialevents.org .