Boston Holiday Lights 2013-12-05 HDTV x264-CLDD mp4

Boston.Holiday.Lights.2013-12-05.HDTV.x264-CLDD.mp4


BOSTON —The holiday season officially kicks off in Boston with "Holiday Lights," WCVB-TV Channel 5's live broadcast of the city of Boston's official tree-lighting concert, airing Thursday, December 5th from 7-8 p.m. on Channel 5.

Chronicle co-anchors J.C. Monahan and Anthony Everett again host this yuletide celebration featuring pop icon Joey McIntyre, "American Idol" alum and Rhode Island native Erika Van Pelt, Nova Scotia percussion drumming group Squid, Blue Man Group, Morning Star Baptist Church Sanctuary Chorale, LilPhunk Hip Hop Dance Crew, and a performance by the dancers from Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker," among others.


"WCVB is truly honored to bring 'Holiday Lights' home to our viewers, especially in a year when the city of Boston could use a little extra cheer and good will," said President and General Manager of WCVB-TV Channel 5, Bill Fine. "For over a decade, the 'Holiday Lights' celebration has been a beloved and much anticipated tradition for all of us here at Channel 5. We are proud to be part of this wonderful collaboration that not only entertains, but brings to life the magic of the holiday season for the people of Boston."

"Several years ago, Channel 5 was humbled when Mayor Menino asked us to broadcast the city's annual 'Holiday Lights' celebration. Since then, it has turned into a beloved and much anticipated tradition for all of us here at Channel 5."


Mayor Thomas M. Menino will join the festivities, marking his last year as ceremonial 'ring master' of this annual holiday tradition. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, along with Magic 106.7's Nancy Quill and David O'Leary.


The event will conclude with a sing-along, led by Boston Police Officer Stephen McNulty, after the dazzling fireworks display during the official lighting of the holiday tree.


Boston Common and the Public Garden will light up in sequence when Mayor Menino throws the switch, along with Santa Claus and Andrew Younger (Minister of Energy/Communications, Nova Scotia), on Boston's official holiday tree, a 48-foot white spruce. The tree is a gift from the people of Nova Scotia to the people of Boston in memory of the 1917 explosion in Halifax Harbor when Boston citizens rallied with supplies, volunteers and other aid.


The broadcast is made possible by a partnership with WCVB-TV, The Province of Nova Scotia (http://novascotia.ca/treeforBoston/), Magic 106.7 FM and Boston Parks and Recreation.


"Holiday Lights" is produced by Bob Comiskey, directed by Gregg Kidd and executive produced by WCVB's Director of Programming and Communications, Betsy Braun.


Special Note: The public can help "Stuff-A-Truck" by donating a new, unwrapped toy, gift card or winter coat to The Home for Little Wanderers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th. Bernie & Phyl's trucks will be collecting donations at The Boston Common (corner of Park Street) and at Legacy Place in Dedham.


All those attending the concert later that evening are encouraged to bring toy donations to the Boston Common to help "Stuff-A-Truck."


The Home for Little Wanderers' goal is to collect thousands of donated gifts and toys in a single day to go towards the Big Wishes Gift Drive, helping the children and families in The Home's programs.