The rain could not stop the magic that was the official City of Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration.

On Wednesday, December 4, hundreds of eager attendees did not let the weather get in their way, and came out to celebrate one of the holiday season’s most anticipated events, the Philly Holiday Tree Lighting.

With a lineup of top performers, lots of exciting giveaways from event sponsors, free hot chocolate and an atmosphere full of holiday cheer, the event presented by Bank of America and produced by the Office of the City Representative, did not disappoint.

Lighting up the stage this year were some highly acclaimed celebrities and performers headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B sensation, and Philadelphia native, Jazmine Sullivan, whose powerful rendition of “This Christmas” wowed the audience and topped off two hours of fantastic performances.

Throughout the night, the audience sang and danced along to holiday favorites performed by other impressive acts including Philadelphia’s hit making soul sensations Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics; award winning daytime soap actor and Broadway singer Kristen Alderson; WanMor, R&B group and sons of Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris; the beloved Philly POPS Big Band featuring international jazz artist Alita Moses; Carolyn Amaradio of ‘”Celebrity Ghost Stories” and  Justin Gonzalez, winner of PHL LIVE Center Stage.

6abc personality and news anchor, Alicia Vitarelli, was also on hand, spreading holiday cheer as the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

The grand finale of the evening and most highly anticipated moment, was the lighting of the holiday tree, powered by NRG. The countdown was led by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and City Representative Sheila Hess, who were joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus and representatives from Bank of America, Wawa, NRG, Visit Philadelphia and Welcome America; the main sponsors of the event.

With a pull of the lever over 4,000 feet of lights illuminated the 55 foot tall tree, transforming City Hall into a winter wonderland and signaling the official start of Philly’s holiday season.

The tree will continue to brighten up Center City until January, 2020.

If you could not join us this year check out our video recap of the night’s festivities, relive the magic and be sure to mark your calendars for next year.