Oct. 30--Macy's picks a celebrity to light the Christmas tree located inside the State Street department store's Walnut Room every year. Past celebrity guests include Billy Crystal, Bill Cosby, Martha Stewart and Nick Cannon. The famous button pusher scheduled for this year's tree lighting on Nov. 8 is (*over-dramatic pause*) coming up after this break.
Just kidding, it's Ryan Seacrest -- in case you somehow didn't figure it out from the headline and photo above. The "American Idol" host will be joined by a Make-A-Wish child. Former "American Idol" winner and Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze is scheduled to sing at the event.
Seacrest was an easy choice for the 107th annual Great Tree lighting. He has a new clothing line, Ryan Seacrest Distinction, available exclusively at Macy's. This is the second year in a row that Macy's chose a celebrity guest who had partnered with the department store. Cannon -- who lit the tree last year -- has a tie collection that sells exclusively at Macy's.
According to the press release, the Christmas tree is 45 feet tall and includes 3,000 ornaments and 6,000 sparkling LED lights. New this year: The Christmas tree light show.
In addition to the tree, Macy's will unveil its holiday windows Nov. 8. The theme is "The Journey of a Christmas Wish."
Macy's Great Tree Lighting with Ryan Seacrest
When: Noon, November 8
Where: Macy's; 111 North State Street
Admission: Free
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