'Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular' Kicks Off Holiday Season

BOSTON (CBS) -- There was a strong turnout for the "Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular" on Saturday night in Boston.

For the third consecutive year, WBZ-TV teamed up with Faneuil Hall Marketplace to televise the one-hour event.

Boston Gay Men's Chorus. (WBZ-TV)

The tree lighting special was hosted by WBZ-TV anchors Lisa Hughes and David Wade, and several festive performances were put on by Blue Man Group, Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Boston Children's Chorus, Boston Gay Men's Chorus, and Maestro Keith Lockhart.

Blue Man Group. (WBZ-TV)

Governor Charlie Baker and his wife Lauren "flipped the switch" to light up 30,000 lights on the 85-foot Norwegian spruce holiday tree. The lighting marks the start of the six-week light-and-sound extravaganza featuring more than 350,000 LED lights in the area.

The New England Patriots also kicked off their annual toy drive, and Faneuil Hall will have a drop-off location there. Pat Patriot and former Patriots running back Patrick Pass were just a few of those representing the team at the lighting.

Former New England Patriots running back Patrick Pass. (WBZ-TV)

A couple bands played in the hours leading up to the lighting including Revels and Women of the World. After the lighting, Sugarbabies took the stage to perform for attendees.