The Fairmont Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce its sixth annual tree lighting ceremony in the hotel’s Crystal Garden and lobby beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2009.  Filled with thousands of tiny white lights, shimmering Christmas trees, and over 30 animated reindeer, the Crystal Garden is the perfect venue for a holiday celebration.

Families will take the chill off with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies as they listen to the award-winning Georgetown Visitation Madrigals perform holiday classics. Children will enjoy holiday cookie decorating.  WTOP Radio’s Man About Town Bob Madigan will serve as the Master of Ceremonies to officiate the tree lighting festivities.  Members of the United States Marine Corps Reserves will be on hand to perform a presentation of colors, and Santa Claus and Rudolph will make a special guest appearance.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will benefit The U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program, a non-profit organization that collects toys throughout the holiday season and delivers them to needy youngsters.  Those attending the event are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated. Additionally, monetary donations are accepted on the organization’s website, www.ToysForTots.org.