Uwishunu.com

I’ve always felt that the holiday season isn’t truly underway until there are a number of bedecked and illuminated trees around the city. When I was growing up, those trees were in front of the Eagle Rock Community Center (just outside of Los Angeles) and in Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland, OR).

These days, my holiday season begins when the tree that gets erected at the heart of City Hall each December is lit (my fondness for that particular tree might also have something to do with the fact that my husband and I got engaged in its shadow last year. But that’s another story).

Happily, the City Hall tree is currently in place and will be ceremonially illuminated this Wednesday, December 2nd at 5 p.m. In addition to the lighting ceremony, the Cara Mia Big Band will be playing at 4 p.m. and Peter Nero’s Philly Pops Festival Brass will play at 6:15 p.m.

Don’t forget that the Christmas Village will be open until 9 p.m. Combine the lighting of the tree with a cup of hot chocolate and a bit of holiday shopping. What better way to celebrate the season!