San Francisco tree lighting ceremony kicks off holiday season

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A large crowd gathered to watch the 27th annual tree lighting ceremony in San Francisco's Union Square Friday afternoon.

The 83-foot tall tree was decorated with more than 33,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 1,100 shining ornaments.

This year, there was a special performance by singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, known for his hit songs, "I Need a Dollar," "The Man" and "Wake Me Up."

Other performances during the evening were put on by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and the cast of She Loves Me from the San Francisco Playhouse's upcoming production.