27-foot tree to be lit at 6pm at Washington Artillery Park
A 27-foot Christmas tree topped with a Fleur-de-lis will be lit tonight at 6pm at Washington Artillery Park across from Jackson Square.
It's the French Market Corporation's annual tree lighting. Spokeswoman Amy Kirk says the event is traditionally held a week before Thanksgiving to remind shoppers that the start of the holiday shopping season is just over a week away. It also serves as the unofficial start of the shopping season in the French Quarter.
The festivities begin at 4pm with a performance by Bon Operatit! on the balcony at the Upper Pontalba on Jackson Square. The New Orleans Navy Band will perform at 5pm at the artillery park stage, followed by the NOCCA Vocal Music Choir at 5:30pm. The tree lighting will be at 6 and following that, Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar will perform at the artillery park stage.
Kirk says historical costumed characters will be there, along with Saint Nicholas himself, who will help light the tree. Eggnog, hot chocolate and more will be available for sale.
