CHRISTMAS
Who is lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
The highly anticipated annual ceremony is taking place on Dec. 4, 2024 with a familiar face hosting the event.
The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City is taking place Wednesday, Dec. 4. Hosting this year is singer Kelly Clarkson, repeating her role from last year.
“The holiday special is filled with the best music, star-studded surprises, and of course the lighting of the world famous Christmas tree that is so special,” Clarkson said on her talk show.
The event will be at 7 p.m. ET. The tree will be illuminated around 10 p.m. Other celebrities making an appearance at the concert will be the Backstreet Boys, Dan + Shay, Megan Hilty, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Little Big Town, RAYE, and Thalia.
It will be broadcast live as part of the NBC special “Christmas at Rockefeller Center”. It can be streamed on Peacock.
History of the tree-lighting tradition
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting dates back to 1933 and it has since become a symbol of the holiday season in New York City. An estimated 2.5 million people visit the attraction each year.
The tree lighting ceremony typically includes live musical performances and other festive activities. It is always broadcast on television, bringing the festive moment to a wide audience who can’t be in New York in person.