Detroiters pack Campus Martius for 19th annual Christmas tree lighting

Now it's Christmastime for real.

Hundreds gathered at Campus Martius on Friday night for an evening of holiday fun and to see the traditional 65-foot-tall Michigan-grown Christmas tree light up with 20,000 LEDs.

About 7:10 p.m., Mayor Mike Duggan, his wife and others gathered near the tree to start the countdown from five. Then, a few minutes later, Duggan threw the switch, and the packed crowd screamed and cheered as if it was the ball dropping in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Local ice skating groups took off on the ice rink as dozens took pictures or videos of the tree.

Despite the cold temperatures, many, like Madyson Bundy, 24, of Detroit, came out for the first time to get a taste of a Detroit Christmas.

“I came with my baby, my friends Tashyla and Marcell. We’re getting out and trying to get in the holiday spirit.”

Bundy said she is most excited to see the lights on the tree. “I just want to make sure my baby got a smile on his face, which doesn't take too much for that,” she said.

Guests were welcomed through metal detectors for a safe and fun evening. Food trucks lined the street, along with vendors with wares such as free stickers, hot chocolate and other sweet treats.

For $10, attendees could get a horse and carriage ride, or for $40 they could get a private ride.

More:Podcast: Free Press photographer reveals inside of Santa school

More:How to economy proof your holidays

Starting at 5 p.m., the crowd began gathering in below-freezing temperatures to get a taste of the festive season. It was also the opening night of the skating rink at Campus Martius.

While some gobbled down food or tried to warm their hands and bellies with hot chocolate, others did some early Christmas shopping at the Cadillac Square holiday markets that feature over 15 vendors selling clothing, jewelry, body care and other novelty products.

As part of the tree-lighting program, there were performances from Mariah Bell, the 2022 U.S national figure skating champion, and University of Michigan alumni and Golden Globe-winning actor and singer-songwriter Darren Criss, known for his role on TV's "Glee." Also performing was The Redhouse Band led by Darell “Red” Campbell Jr., a musician and teacher who works with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles.

Downtown Detroit Partnership (DPD) chief public spaces officer David Cowan said that DDP is excited to be part of this event once again.

Said Cowan: ”It’s the kickoff of the holiday season for all of Detroit. We’re so pleased to offer this event free and open to everyone. It’s such a cherished tradition for so many Detroiters and many across the state. It’s an honor for DDP to produce this for the 19th year."

Last year, there were over 75,000 guests in attendance. This year, Cowan and his team anticipated at least 100,000. New things were added to the show this year.

“There are a lot more viewing areas that we've added, we've increased the entire event footprint, the stage is bigger,” he said. ”There's a million more lights downtown, brand new lighting themes all across the city. There's so much to do and see in downtown. It's incredible: shopping, dining, carriage rides, visit with Santa, it's really pretty spectacular.”

Downtown Detroit co-workers Katie Duffy, 36, of Allen Park, Lauren Banach, 37, of Livonia, and Lisa Talarek, 31, of Ferndale, all work nearby and looked on every day as the tree was being set up.

“We were in the office so we just walked over here,” said Duffy. “We work from home on Fridays so that just shows how much we really wanted to come. We were like, we’re going to be in the office that day to be down here and be already parked, skip the crowd and everything.”

It was the first tree lighting for Duffy and Banach but Talarek been before.

“I'm excited just to see the city light up like this and the whole vibe of seeing the crowd,” said Duffy. ”To me, it just symbolizes what Detroit is still about. You can feel the excitement for the holidays and the love just from everyone down here.”

Campus Martius skating rink is open seven days a week until March 5.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Annual tree lighting brings crowds to Campus Martius