This Saturday, December 5th, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and WJAR’s Patrice Wood will host the Annual Holiday Celebration and Christmas Tree Lighting at the Alex and Ani City Center and on the steps of City Hall from 5:15 to 7:15pm, featuring a variety of holiday activities. See the unveiling of a giant interactive wreath, woven by artist Carrie Hyde with painted branches found in city parks. Before the lighting, watch live performances by the Brown University Skating Band and The Wheeler School’s champion a capella group, The 18 Wheelers.

After the lighting, see a skating exhibition produced by Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan, Sarah Mirza DiNardo, and Brad Vigorito, showcasing local, regional, and national talent. Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider, candy canes, cookies and snacks at the rink throughout the event.

Check Facebook and the city’s website for updates. The celebration is free to the public, and has been produced by the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, Playful Providence and the Department of Parks & Recreation with sponsorship from Zipcar, Stanley Tree Service, Whole Foods and promotional support from  NBC 10 WJAR, Cardis Furniture, Phi Sigma Kappa, Tau Epsilon Phi and Johnson and Wales University.