The City of Pittsburgh will officially kick off the holiday season with the annual City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday.

Festivities begin at Noon on the City-County Building Portico. The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble will entertain with seasonal favorites and Pittsburgh's own "3TG" will sing carols. Following the ceremony the Sonorilo Handbell Choir will perform. Local mascots including Santa, the Pirate Parrot, Iceburgh and Buster will be in attendance.

Mayor William Peduto is attending the National League of Cities Congress of Cities in Austin, Texas this week and will not be in attendance to light the tree. In partnership with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, AJ Mendoza, 3, has been selected to perform the honors of lighting the city holiday tree this season. Mendoza’s parents, Kristina and Alex Mendoza, will also be in attendance.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Starbucks. The Salvation Army will be present until 1:00 p.m. collecting non-perishable food items or monetary donations for their annual drive.

WHAT:

The City of Pittsburgh Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHERE:

City-County Building Portico – 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh

WHEN:

Noon, Friday, November 21, 2014