ATLANTA -- Thousands gathered at Lenox Square in Buckhead Thursday night for the 62nd anniversary of Macy’s Great Tree Lighting.

"We came all the way from Hopkinsville, KY," one spectator said.

The event was broadcast on WSB-TV and hosted by Channel 2’s Monica Pearson and David Chandley.

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SLIDESHOW: Macy's Great Tree Lighting Draws Huge Crowd | WATCH: Macy's Great Tree Lighting Draws Huge Crowd

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A pre-show event kicked off the ceremony and was hosted by Kicks 101.5FM’s morning man Cadillac Jack, who was also part of Channel 2’s coverage. This special Georgia holiday tradition culminated with the spectacular lighting of the 70 foot white pine. The Georgia grown tree weighs approximately 7 tons requiring thousands of lights to brighten the sky high above Lenox Square.

"It's really pretty. It's gorgeous," yelled a group of friends.

Many stars took center stage for the magical night. Headliners included Grammy nominated country singer Josh Turner and performances from Christian singer Mandisa. Plus, performances by hip hop dance group, SoReal Cru. The festivities were topped off with the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting and a spectacular Fireworks Finale set to holiday music.

"It's our gift to the folks of Atlanta ... it's a great tradition of Macy's," said Michael G. Krauter, Vice Chairman of Macy's Department Stores - South.

The Great Tree

The biggest star of the night was the Great Tree itself! According to tradition, the best great trees are solitary white pines – and independent white pine that grows straighter and fuller than ones surrounded by other vegetation. This year’s towering beauty has a décor package consisting of 125 red Macy’s stars and 125 snowflakes complimented with the traditional metallic balls and illuminated spheres.

Depending on the weather, it takes a crew of eight people working for 2-3 weeks to decorate the Great Tree. Decorations include: 1,200 multi-color metallic basketball-sized ornaments, 50 flashing strobe lights, 400 internally lit ornaments, 4,000 11-watt bulbs all topped off with a spectacular internally lit LED color-changing Macy’s star. At the centerpiece of the stellar topper – is a star with a ring of 50 crystal faceted star strobes encircling the star.

Macy's Great Tree Lighting, an Atlanta tradition since 1948, began as a holiday gift from Rich’s to the people of Atlanta. Since that time, the event continues to be a Thanksgiving Day tradition for thousands of Georgia’s families. Over the years, the holiday event has captured the cover of TIME Magazine, has been included in national television specials like HGTV’s Christmas Across America, and has received international exposure on CNN. Millions of viewers across the United States have enjoyed this Atlanta holiday tradition as a result of its national syndication.