Lighting of Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Boston Common Christmas Tree Nov. 29

"American Idol" and "The Voice" contestants will perform.

The following is an edited press release from the city's Parks Department:  Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia the Honourable Frank Corbett are pleased to announce Boston’s 71st Annual Official Tree Lighting on Boston Common on Thursday, November 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.   The holiday decorations throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden, including the City of Boston’s official Christmas tree from Halifax, a 45-foot white spruce donated by Paul and Jan Hicks of Jordan Bay, Nova Scotia, will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Menino is scheduled to be joined onstage by Deputy Premier Corbett, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Santa Claus. The show will close with a pyrotechnic …

• Photos (1)