Newark’s 31st Holiday Tree Lighting Event Returns For 2016

NEWARK, NJ —Santa, Mrs. Claus and several Newark dignitaries will join municipal employees and residents from every ward to celebrate the City of Newark's 31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in the City Hall First Floor Rotunda at 920 Broad Street at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

The 30-foot spruce tree will use 39,600 environmentally-friendly and energy-saving lights, powered by solar panels, which will collect solar energy during the day, store it by night and illuminate the tree at all times, city officials said.

According to a city news release, Newark-raised operatic counter-tenor Derek Lee Ragin, “one of today's foremost opera singers,” will perform at the event, as well as the Newark Boys Chorus. The Salvation Army will provide free hot chocolate, and there will be giveaways for attending youth, in addition to an information table on city-wide recreational activities, health, youth and family programs.

Santa Claus himself will greet Newark youth at the event, officials added.

Patch file photo

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