Universal CityWalk Tree Lighting

It may still feel like summer in Los Angeles, but the spirit of the winter holiday is very much alive at Universal Studios CityWalk. With "5 Towers," a state of the art entertainment venue playing host to numerous entertainment acts throughout the next month, and an impressive one-of-a-kind Christmas tree to celebrate, the popular open-air venue has a lot to be thankful for this season.

CityWalk kicked off the holidays with the Universal CityWalk Tree Lighting ceremony on November 21st. Thousands of people attended the festivities, eager to see the tree that continues to mesmerize us time and time again. This year was no different.

Making sure to ring in the season with a bang, Universal CityWalk planned an evening full of entertainment and surprises. With concert performances by Drake Bell, Pentatonix and Human Nature, the enthusiastic crowd had plenty to cheer for that night.

Children from Los Angeles Family Housing, part of Universal Studios Hollywood's "Discover A Star" Foundation were invited to the event. These little guests of honor lit up the crowd, reminding us that the holidays are about a lot more than just glimmering lights and presents.

The tree itself is brilliantly impressive, lighting up the walkways and storefronts of the businesses surrounding it. Boasting 500 branches, the tree towers over the plaza, and with almost 10,000 twinkling lights as adornments, one cannot help but feel overwhelmed with Christmas cheer. It is encircled by five 42 foot illuminated pillars, which make the lights shine brighter, only adding to the majestic aura of the spruce.

Furthermore, the tree will light up in harmony to holiday music throughout the month, rocking along to everyone's favorite seasonal tunes. There will also be dazzling light shows and family friendly performances on the "5 Towers" stage Thursdays through Sundays, making CityWalk the perfect destination for those seeking a bit of Christmas joy.

And the holiday cheer does not stop there. All along the plaza's walkways one will see Christmas garlands, lights, mistletoe and everything in between, transforming one of Los Angeles' most famous attractions into a true Winter Wonderland.

The Universal Studios CityWalk tree is definitely a must see. As I stared up at what seemed like never ending boughs, I truly felt that the Christmas season had finally arrived. Surrounded by the "ohs" and "ahs" of the children around me, I could not help but smile when I heard a young boy ask his parents if Santa Claus could see the tree from the North Pole. I am certain he can.