Caruso Affiliated's landmark Los Angeles retail and entertainment center The Grove hosted its annual tree-lighting event, "Hollywood Christmas Celebration From The Grove" on November 19. This season, the event - known as one of the most popular and extravagant free holiday celebrations in the nation - reached magnificent heights with a dramatic tree lighting, celebrity performances and appearances, the granting of holiday wishes, Santa Claus' arrival, snowfall and a stunning fireworks display seen throughout the city of Los Angeles. For a second year, The Grove partnered with The Make-A-Wish Foundation, beginning their holiday season of wish-granting to a deserving child on the stage at the tree-lighting event.

The show has been syndicated for broadcast on 210 stations in major markets across the United States. The first airing is on Saturday, December 2nd on KCBS Channel 2 at 7:00 p.m. PST. Additional airdates and times include:

The show featured a special Salute to America's Troops and performances by award winning musicians of their holiday favorites. The legendary Hall & Oates performed selections from, "Home for Christmas," the duo's first-ever holiday album that was released in October. Popular and influential rock band Five for Fighting and 2006 American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee singing her famous rendition of "over the rainbow" had the audience swinging and singing along to upbeat holiday tunes. JoJo, the 15-year old singer with the big bold voice whose platinum debut album won critical acclaim, brought her distinctive style to holiday tunes and performed her hit single "Too Little Too Late." A special duet by Elmo and Brian McKnight, in their debut performance, offered a highlight for young and old.

The evening also included a special song and dance performance by the cast of "High School Musical," a Disney Channel original movie about a group of students who share a passion for music and singing. Joining the festivities were be the stars of the upcoming Warner Bros. release "Unaccompanied Minors" Wilmer Valderrama, Lewis Black, Tyler James Williams, Dyllan Christopher and Gina Mantegna and appearances by Lisa Rinna, Drew Lachey.

"As Hollywood's haven for the holidays, The Grove is full of energy and spirit and is the perfect place for a holiday spectacular that will create lasting memories," says Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliated. "We are proud to offer another fantastic holiday show and even in sunny Southern California, The Grove will be a real 'winter wonderland' throughout the season."

The free show was sponsored by the "small, smart and stylish" Blackberry Pearl by T Mobile which is available in stores now for the holidays; "Unaccompanied Minors" (Warner Bros. Pictures), a movie about six unsupervised kids on Christmas Eve, to be released December 8; "The Nativity" (New Line Cinema), a movie about the journey of a couple and a child who would change the world forever, to be released in December; as well as The Grove's partner for the event, The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Grove turned on more than 15,000 lights adorning the 110-foot Christmas tree in Town Square, which has more than 10,000 ornaments to match the elaborate holiday decorations throughout the outdoor center. The tree will stay lit through Christmas and can be seen from miles away. Continued holiday festivities at The Grove also include caroling, Santa's House, new stores, and nightly falling snow at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

More information about The Grove's holiday attractions, events, and store hours may be obtained by contacting The Grove Concierge at (323) 900-8080 or visiting online at www.thegrovela.com.