Detroit Christmas tree lighting: tens of thousands expected downtown on Friday

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DETROIT (FOX 2) - Thousands are expected to pack into Campus Martius Park Friday evening for the unofficial start to the holidays in downtown Detroit for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting, and it will go on from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is hosting the lighting ceremony, where people are invited to enjoy a show from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage or throughout the area with big screens stationed in Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square.

Many live shows are scheduled for the tree lighting including:

Vocalist Alex Sampson from Canada
Memphis-based powerhouse band Southern Avenue
Detroit's "Queen of the Blues" Thornetta Davis
The Rink will be headlined by Canadian skating sensation Elladj Baldé
Figure Skating duo Linzy Fitzpatrick and Keyton Bearinger

There will be other performances at the tree lighting, like the Next Generation Funk Brothers, The Pointe Singers from Grosse Pointe South High School, and The Grinch from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will make an appearance.

Safety is a priority, as at least 50,000 people are expected to flock downtown. Attendees of the annual event will be required to go through metal detectors when entering Campus Martius Park. Police will be looking for weapons, which are not allowed inside the event.

Items not allowed at Detroit Tree Lighting

Weapons / firearms / knives / bats / clubs
Mace / pepper spray
Laser pointers / any similar devices
Fireworks / smoke bombs
Audio / visual recording devices (go-pro, etc.)
Missile-like objects that can be thrown
Backpacks / hard-sided bags
Aerosol cans / liquids over 4 ounces
Illegal substances
Any form of marijuana
Pets
Drones
Skateboards / hoverboards
Whistles / horns
Banners / flags / offensive signs
Frisbees / beach balls / balloons
Chairs
Poles / selfie sticks / monopods / tripods
Professional / commercial cameras
Cameras with detachable lenses / lenses longer than four inches
Outside food / beverage
Clothing / garments displaying explicit, profane or derogatory characterization
Any / other items deemed to be dangerous by park security and facility management
Any item determined by the venue