American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips to Headline Eleventh Annual Lighting of America’s Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree November 17, 2012

For the third consecutive year, Outlets at Anthem will light the nation’s tallest Christmas tree in a free gala featuring a variety of entertainment for the entire family. This year’s lighting spectacular will showcase performances by current American Idol Phillip Phillips and actor-songwriter Roshon Fegan, among others.

The 11th annual event will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 at the popular outlet shopping center in north Phoenix. Outlets at Anthem is located 15 minutes north of the Loop 101 off Interstate 17 at the Anthem Way exit 229.

Topping out at 110 feet, the white fir from northern California stands taller than the wingspan of a Boeing 727 and at twice the size of the iconic Jolly Green Giant. It is decorated with three miles of LED lights, more than 6,000 ornaments and bows and a 3-foot-tall copper star hand wrought by Outlets staff.

Phillip Phillips will headline the show performing songs from his debut album, "The World From the Side of the Moon,” including his hit single “Home,” which marked the highest debut on the Billboard Digital songs chart with 278,000 downloads sold. Showcasing his rich, raspy vocals and masterful guitar skills, the album will debut just two days after his Phoenix performance.

Outlets at Anthem will be presenting a 4-pack, 6-pack and 8-pack of VIP Meet and Greets with Phillips to the highest bidders. All proceeds will go to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Throughout the holiday season, Outlets at Anthem is partnering with the Salvation Army and 3TV to host a Christmas Angel Toy drive. As part of the program, each angel receives two toys, and the family gets a food box or food voucher. Shoppers can participate in the program by choosing a tag from one of the trees stationed on-site at customer service and at the breezeway, and returning the gift to the Christmas Angel booth during center hours. To bid on one of these packages, visit the Outlets at Anthem website at www.outletsanthem.com.

Fegan, an actor, songwriter, producer, freestyle dancer and rapper, is best known for his role as Ty Blue on the Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” and for his role as Sander Loyer in the Disney Channel movie franchise “Camp Rock” with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. Fegan also appeared on Season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars,” placing in the top six. He will be performing hits including “Like 2 Party” and “Be My Girl.”

The evening’s entertainment, which will be emceed by 3TV’s Javier Soto and Hot 97.5 deejays, begins at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams will join Santa Claus to light the nation’s tallest Christmas tree as snow falls on the crowd.

The lighting will be followed by a performance from Phoenix-based Angelique White Band. Every 15 minutes from 7:15-8:15 p.m., Santa will announce prize giveaways including a family four pack to Santa’s Workshop at Flagstaff’s North Pole Experience, a Samsung Vitality phone with six months unlimited service by Cricket Wireless, a 1 ½ carat diamond bangle bracelet from Ultra Diamonds valued at $699 and an Outlets at Anthem fashion prize package with gifts from DKNY, Calvin Klein and Columbia. Winners must be present.

For more information, visit the Outlets at Anthem website at www.outletsanthem.com or call (623) 465-9500.

Official Website: http://www.outletsanthem.com