The famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit up on Wednesday night, marking the unofficial arrival of the holiday season in New York.
At over 80 feet tall, the Norway spruce will live in Rockefeller Center this winter, where ornate trees have stood each of the last 92 years.
This year’s tree, which comes from a farm in the Upstate New York town of Vestal will glisten in the night sky after the beloved Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting telecast on Nov. 29.
As New Yorkers eagerly await the dazzling light show, here are some tidbits about the iconic tree and the upcoming tree-lighting ceremony.
Where can I watch the tree lighting?
If you don’t feel like braving the cold and crowds, you can watch it on TV. The ceremony will be broadcast on NBC at 7 p.m. and will simulcast on Peacock. This year, the time-honored tradition is hosted by Kelly Clarkson, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin.
Who is performing?
According to NBC, this year’s tree-lighting ceremony will feature performances by the Radio City Rockettes, Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Cher, David Foster, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce, and Manuel Turizo.
The tradition has come a long way
While New Yorkers take for granted that the famed Manhattan plaza will be adorned with a spectacular Christmas tree each year, the tradition dates back 92 years, when the first tree was situated in Rockefeller Center. That year, which came during the Great Depression, the tree was only 20 feet tall — a far cry from the 80-foot tree that New Yorkers can see this year.
It’s all about the lights
While the size of the tree alone is awe-inspiring, the decorations serve to make the icon into the picturesque landmark it routinely becomes each year. This year, after workers give the tree a shape-up to ensure a clean-cut look, the tree will be adorned with 50,000 multi-colored lights. If the rope lights were spread out in a line, they would stretch over 5 miles in length.
Evolution of the Swarovski Star
The iconic star atop the tree has evolved over the years, along with the rest of the annual event. The current Swarovski star, used since 2004, weighs around 900 pounds and stretches about 9.5 feet in diameter. The star is adorned with thousands of crystals, which really make the tree sparkle!
Arriving with a bang
As always, the lighting ceremony will be accompanied by a host of famous performers that will ring in the holiday season during the live telecast. Among the performers this year are: Kelly Clarkson, Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Cher, David Foster, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce, and Manuel Turizo. The Radio City Rockettes will also perform a number from their “Christmas Spectacular.
Tourists welcome to Rockefeller Center
Each year, the iconic display attracts over 125 million spectators who descend on Rockefeller Center to catch a glimpse, and relish in the holiday spirit.
Not to waste
Once the holiday season is over, the tree doesn’t go to waste — it’s recycled and turned into lumber for Habitat for Humanity to build homes. That tradition began in 2007, and has become a point of pride for the stewards of Rockefeller Center.
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