(Miami, Florida)--This year the City of Miami offers the community a holiday tree adorned with shells, parrots, pink flamingos and more, making it a vision of Christmas “tropical style”. The community is invited to come out and celebrate the start of the holiday season by witnessing an we inspiring illumination of the City of Miami tropical Christmas tree, complete with sand,beach balls and steel drums performing holiday favorites.

The first one hundred children to arrive will go home with an early Christmas present.

WHO: Mayor Manny Diaz joined by City of Miami Commissioners
Performances by Miami PAN Symphony, New World School of the Arts and a dance performance by the Optimist Cheerleaders from Williams Park.

WHAT: The lighting of City of Miami 20ft. tropical Christmas Tree and the official kick off of the holiday season in a uniquely Miamian way.Toy Giveaway to the first one hundred children.

WHERE: The circle in front of City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive.

WHEN: December 1, 2005
Festivities begin at 6pm, and the tree lighting will be at 6.30pm

Media contact: Julie Mansfield at (786)265-7793