Nick Cannon to light the 'Great Tree' here

Multi-hyphenate entertainer Nick Cannon — rapper, actor, comedian, TV personality — plus also known as hubby of Mariah Carey, will be on hand to help light Macy’s Great Tree in the State Street store’s legendary Walnut Room this year.

For many Chicagoans, that event — obviously dating back the golden era of the late, great Marshall Field’s — is one of the key symbols, launching the annual holiday season.

This year, Cannon will be joined by a lucky Make-A-Wish child for the noon Saturday, Nov. 2 festivities in the Great Tree’s home in the Walnut Room on Macy’s 7^th floor.

It will be a busy Saturday at the State Street retail emporium as the “Magic of Christmas” holiday windows will be unveiled at 9 a.m., Santa Claus begins greeting kiddies in SantaLand at 10 am. — as he has every year since 1948, the tree lighting happens at noon, and Cannon will greet fans immediately after the lighting ceremony, signing autographs for everyone who purchases a tie from his new neckwear line.

Be aware, Ol’ Saint Nick may stick around forever, but this Nick — Mr. Cannon — will be signing only “as long as time permits,” according to the good folks at Macy’s.