Thanksgiving Evening is a special time in Atlanta because the Christmas Holiday season is kicked off with the Lighting of the Great Tree atop Macy’s at Lenox Square. This years tree is a 70-foot white pine that weighs over 7 tons. It is decorated with red Macy’s Stars, white snowflakes and approximately 1200 multi colored basketball sized ornaments. It takes over 8 miles of wiring to get power to the 4000+ 11 watt bulds, flashing strobes, internally lite ornaments and the LED color changing star atop the tree. It takes a crew of 8 helpers to over 2 weeks to decorate the tree and make sure that it is securely fastened into it’s stand which is designed to withstand hurricane type storms.

This Years Entertainment

The entertainment for this years festivities will be provided by a cast of both local and national stars. Headlining the event is singer-songwriter Jewel. Jewel will be joined by Broadway and recording star Heather Headley, singer Michael Warren, local artist The Regulars Band, the Youth Harmony Chorus and Macy’s All-Star Holiday Chior. As you can see there is something for everyone at this years festivities.

Attend In Person or Watch on TV

As has become customary, WSB-TV carries the entire program live from 7 to 8 on Thanksgiving Evening. This year Jann Carl of Entertainment Tonight will be joining Monica Pearson and David Chandley of WSB in hosting the event. I must admit that I have watched the program on TV in the past, however for the last 3 years my wife and I have attended it in person. Last year a group of our neighbors attended with us and we had a blast. Whether you join us in person or watch on TV, gather with family and friends to kick off the 2008 Christmas Season with the Lighting of The Great Tree at Lenox Square. If you are going to attend in person, do yourself a big favor and get there around 6 o’clock. The performers warm up with the audience that is there and it is almost as good as the live show.

I hope everyone has a truelly wonderfull holiday season filled with the tresures that family and friends can bring. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!