LeAnn Rimes performed the famous tune as a part of a 65-year-old Christmas tradition.
‘Tis the season to look back on fond Christmas memories. In 2008, LeAnn Rimes sang a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night” to a packed crowd at the Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree in Atlanta, Georgia.

The lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree was a 65-year Christmas tradition, spanning from 1948 to 2013. Each year on Thanksgiving night, the giant cut pine Christmas tree was illuminated to its full glory on the highest note of “O Holy Night,” and remained lit every night at least through New Year’s Eve. The tradition was abandoned in 2013 after a few incidents involving the tree caused damage to the Macy’s store below.
LeAnn Rimes was one of many various music celebrities and local groups who had the honor of performing at the beloved ceremony over the years. Rimes also recorded “O Holy Night” for her album What A Wonderful World in 2004.

The story behind “O Holy Night”
“O Holy Night” was originally based on a French poem and was put to music in 1847. The English version was created by John Sullivan Dwight. The Christmas ballad reflects on the momentous night that Christ was born:

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”

The song went on to become a season staple and has been recorded and performed by many artists including Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and more.
Watch LeAnn Rimes perform “O Holy Night” at the Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree in the video below!