The holiday season officially kicks off in Toronto this weekend with the 53rd annual Cavalcade of Lights!

The free event will feature the first lighting of the city’s official 50-foot Christmas tree, illuminating Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.) under the twinkle of more than 525,000 energy-efficient lights and 500 ornaments. There will be live performances throughout the evening by Inuk artist Riit, guerrilla-folk party-punk band Lemon Bucket Orchestra, and theatrical companies Creations In Vivo and les Chasseurs de rêves along with a spectacular fireworks display.

Be sure to bring your skates too – the Nathan Phillips Square ice rink will open for the season with a skating party hosted by DJ MelBoogie, who has opened for the likes of Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, and Major Lazer. 

Cavalcade of Lights happens this Saturday, November 29, from 7-10:30 p.m.