Trotter Industries enjoying the 106th Lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (left) and Trotter Industries President Todd Trotter (right) enjoying festivities at the 106th Lighting of the Christmas tree.

POSTED 6:48 PM, NOVEMBER 21, 2019, BY FOX6 NEWS, UPDATED AT 06:50 PM, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

MILWAUKEE — The City of Milwaukee kicked off the holiday season with the 106th annual City Christmas Tree Lighting outside City Hall on Thursday evening, Nov. 21. This is the second oldest such celebration in the United States behind New York City.

Before the lights were turned on, student performers from the First Stage Theater Academy entertained those who were gathering for the special moment. And then, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, along with some helpers, turned on the lights to the tree.

This year’s tree was harvested from a home on Milwaukee’s northwest side. It is a 35-foot Colorado Blue Spruce. The tree was decorated by the Milwaukee DPW Forestry staff.

Mayor Tom Barrett giving a speech about the historic significance of the tree lighting.