Universal CityWalk Ignites the Holidays with a Spectacular Tree Lighting and Performance by Multi-Talented Singer/Songwriter, Actress and Producer Tamar Braxton, Singing Hit Songs from Her #1 Debuting Album "Love and War" and Holiday Album, "Winter Loversland"

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday season unwraps in style at Universal CityWalk as the entertainment destination comes to life with a dynamic tree lighting celebration featuring singer, songwriter, producer and star of WE tv's hit shows "Braxton Family Values" and "Tamar & Vince" Tamar Braxton, performing songs from her hit album "Love and War" as well as her holiday album, "Winter Loversland" on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30pm.

Tamar Braxton, who just completed a cross-country tour with nine-time Grammy® Award winner, John Legend on the heels of her #1 R&B Billboard album release, "Love & War," will shine center stage at the 5 Towers" state-of-the-art venue when she joins with Santa Claus to light the CityWalk tree and mark the official start to the destination's spirited holiday season.

The dazzling Christmas tree, densely entwined with over 100,000 brilliantly colored LED lights will cast a vibrant spectrum of colors throughout the open-air plaza as Ms. Braxton brings down the house and lifts holiday spirits with a selection of songs from her new albums.

As a local entertainment destination, enjoyed by visitors from across the globe, Universal CityWalk will offer holiday programming for all to enjoy throughout the season. From November 29 through December 31, 2013, Universal CityWalk holidays will feature an energetic mix of free concert performances at the "5 Towers" stage along with an eclectic array of emerging street performers.

Santa's Snow Zone, complete with evening hourly snow falls, will sit at the heart of CityWalk to offer memorable photo opportunities with Santa aboard his giant sleigh.  (With Santa's busy schedule this holiday season, dates and times vary for his meet and greet.  Please visit www.CityWalkHollywood.com for details.)

A mix of contemporary and holiday entertainment will headline at "5 Towers" with an exciting line-up of top musical acts performing a selection of live concerts beginning at 7:00pm on Saturdays and 6:00pm on Sundays. (More information at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.)

Spreading good cheer during the opening weekend will be the joyful sounds of well-known emerging artists, We Are the In Crowd and Better Luck Next Time on Nov. 29. Performances will continue with YouTube's rising star, Kina Grannis & Imaginary Friend on Nov. 30; "Rock the Red Kettle" featuring Austin Mahone and Coco Jones to benefit The Salvation Army on Dec. 7; and former member of Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams & Mali Music on Dec. 8.

"The Spaulding Sessions," featuring Rozzi Crane and an impressive collection of vocalists from "The Voice," "American Idol," and "The Sing Off" will perform on Dec. 14. Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon, who also stars in Oxygen's "Preachers of LA," and Kierra Sheard, a Gospel performer appearing in BET's "The Sheards" will take to the stage on Dec. 15; followed by indie rock bank, We Are Scientists on Dec. 21.  Mariachi Divas, a Grammy Award-winning Latin female group, will round out the holiday performances with a special appearance by the Ballet Folklorico Resurrection, a community based dance troupe from Boyle Heights in Los Angeles on Dec. 22.

Holidays will resonate throughout The Entertainment Capital of L.A. as "Grinchmas" returns to Universal Studios Hollywood, with "Who-bilation" throughout the theme park, featuring The Grinch and his faithful dog Max, a lively performance at the original "Who-ville" movie sets aboard the world famous Studio Tour and a soaring "Grinchmas" tree at the heart of the park's all-new, visually spectacular Universal Plaza. "Grinchmas" begins Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013 and continues on weekends through December 15, then daily from December 20 through December 31. Grinchmas is included in the price of park admission. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Holiday movies will also shine a spotlight on CityWalk this season and the Universal CityWalk Cinemas, offering one of the best movie-going experiences in LA, will be the place to see some of the biggest blockbuster movies.  Movie goers can enjoy $2 Movie Parking with the purchase a movie ticket at the CityWalk Cinemas.

A complete schedule of the Holidays at Universal CityWalk can be found at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk's Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook- Universal CityWalk Hollywood and on Instagram @CityWalkLA.

Universal CityWalk is Southern California's dynamic entertainment, dining and shopping destination that reflects the area's rich cultural diversity. The iconic open-air leisure and nightlife complex provides "Always Unexpected" entertainment options and has served as a prototype for similar destinations. Universal CityWalk includes the high-tech concert venue, "5 Towers," provides L.A.'s best movie-going experience at the Universal Cinemas and offers such unique venues as the "Jon Lovitz Comedy Club," the "Infusion Lounge," iFly indoor skydiving and mechanical bull-riding at "Saddle Ranch Chop House."

SOURCE Universal Studios Hollywood