(CBS DETROIT) - Downtown Detroit will begin to be a lot brighter just in time for the Christmas season. The city will host its 21st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday.

It is the unofficial start to the holidays in downtown Detroit, as tens of thousands flock to Campus Martius Park for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting

Tens of thousands of people joined Santa as he counted down to the lighting of Detroit’s 66-foot Christmas tree in Campus Martius Park on Friday.

(CBS DETROIT) — In preparation for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the city of Detroit will close certain roads downtown beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The closures surrounding Campus Martius will run through 6 a.m. on Saturday.

A 66-foot Norway spruce is this year's tree as the holiday season kicks off with tree lighting, ice skating and more.

The 21st annual Christmas tree lighting in Campus Martius promises to “bring holiday magic to life” with a spectacular celebration in the heart of downtown Detroit. This cherished seasonal event will feature star-studded musical performances (including Alex Sampson of America’s Got Talent,

According to recent data, 70% of Detroit households experience food insecurity. But a group of local restaurant owners are working making a difference at the Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in the downtown area.