Detroit tree lighting ceremony

Friends, from left, Paulette Krist, Renee Dalaya and Heather Kazmierczak pose in front of the Norway spruce following the annual tree-lighting event.

Santa Claus addresses the crowd before the tree lighting.

Vera Agrusa of Shelby Township takes Morgan Rowse of Clinton Township for her first spin around the ice.

Skaters from the Arctic Figure Skating Club from Canton take to the ice.

Nattasha Preston wears her festive cap for the event.

Madalyn Mead, 5, of Brownstown Township, watches the skaters perform.

Members of the Creative Edge skating team prepared to head out on the ice.

"American Idol" finalist Jena Irene Asciutto after performing at the event.

Russian Olympic champion Ekaterina Gordeeva performs.

Members of the Creative Edge skating club watch as Ekaterina Gordeeva practices.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow warms by a fire before going on stage to light the large red Salvation Army kettle lights.

Marianne Mouton of St. Clair Shores and her daughter, Elise, 3, watch the skaters.

Ed Skupinski of Allen Park rings his bell at the Salvation Army kettle.

Emma Belveal of Canton warms up by the fire after performing with the Arctic Figure Skating Club of Canton.