This new television special celebrates the annual Lighting of the National Christmas Tree, a tradition in its 87th year. The program, which will tape on December 9 at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., marks the beginning of the holiday season across the country. Hosted by the First Family in the President’s Park, the show will feature Blues legend B.B. King, Grammy® Award-nominated singer-songwriter/pianist Sara Bareilles, and Grammy® Award-winning band Maroon 5. The festivities and performances will conclude with the illumination of the decorated tree. Additional performers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. The event is sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. The National Christmas Tree Lighting 2010premieres Friday, December 10, 2010 at 9 p.m. on WETA TV 26.