Macy's to Celebrate 26th Annual Great Tree Lighting in Union Square, 11/27

In the San Francisco holiday tradition, Macy's once again presents its gift to the city-a beautiful, reusable 83' tree decorated with more than 33,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 1,100 shining ornaments-during the 26th Annual Great Tree Lighting Ceremony in Union Square on Friday, November 27 at 6 p.m.

Headlining the festivities is Jordin Sparks, American singer, songwriter and actress. In 2007, Sparks rose to fame after winning the sixth season of American Idol; at age 17, she became the youngest winner in the series' history. Sparks' third studio album titled Right Here, Right Now, was released in August 2015. Also performing is Vocal Rush from the Oakland School of the Arts, the Transcendence Theatre Company and the Contra Costa Children's Chorus.

"Macy's is proud to continue the tradition of giving the Great Tree in Union Square, heralding the start of the holiday season", said District Vice President Jane Mitchell. "Here at Macy's, a big part of our holiday spirit is giving, not just to our loved ones, but also giving back to our communities. The tree is our annual gift to the city of San Francisco, bringing the nostalgia and magic of the holidays to residents and visitors alike."

San Francisco's most recognized Christmas tree will be lit at the end of the ceremony, around 6:40 p.m. Those inspired by the Union Square Great Tree can visit the festive Holiday Lane on the seventh floor of Macy's Union Square to see lavishly decorated Christmas trees, thousands of ornaments, and other embellishments for the home. The holidays would not be the same without a visit to Santa. Old St. Nick will listen to holiday wishes and be available for portraits in Macy's Santaland, also on the seventh floor, starting Friday, November 27 through December 24.

This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Macy's Believe campaign in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, inviting children of all ages to mail letters to Santa using Macy's Santa Mail letter-boxes. The Macy's Believe mailbox is located on the 7th floor in the Macy's Union Square store. All the mail that is put in that mailbox is sent directly to Santa at the North Pole. And, for every letter, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation up to $1 million.

For the last 15 years, Aflac has partnered with Macy's to provide holiday happiness. The 2015 Aflac Holiday Duck is available for purchase in two sizes, 6-inch for $10 and 10-inch for $15. 100% of net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer hospitals across the country. The ducks are available at Macy's, macys.com, and aflacducprints.com.

To celebrate the season of giving, the Paper and Packaging - How Life Unfolds campaign, in conjunction with Macy's, is offering #sharepackage, a pre-paid, pre-addressed postal box guests can fill for children in local children's hospitals over the holidays. Paper and packaging play a major role during the holidays, often bringing loved ones together. Share a picture of your #sharepackage giving on social media to help spread cheer to children and families away from home at the holidays. Available at Macy's Great Tree Lighting.