Celebrations
When is the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree lighting this year? Date, time, and event guests
On Wednesday, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza will be lit in an event hosted by NBC. Here’s how to tune in and who will perform.
The dazzling spectaculars continue in New York City. Less than a week after hosting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Manhattan will host the lighting ceremony of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, will be the 93rd in the tradition’s history. The ceremony is always a star studded event with musical performances and special guests. The broadcasting of the lighting ceremony is a new tradition which began in 1997.
This year is expected to be no different. Singer and TV host Kelly Clarkson will host the ceremony, as well as NBC’s annual special, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” which can be watched live or streamed through Peacock. For those looking to watch the special live, it will begin at 8 pm ET on Wednesday evening. The other guests that have been announced so far include the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Hudson, in addition to Thalia and Dan + Shay.
Where is the tree from?
This year the tree that will form center stage of the pageantry hails from Masscahuests. According to event organizers it was cut on November 7, and arrived at the square a few days later. As Thanksgiving approaches, decorations begin to go up to prepare for the lighting ceremony which takes place in early December. Images of the tree arriving demonstrate the scale and enormity of the 74 foot tree.
Anyone in New York City or who will be visiting the Big Apple in the coming weeks can see the tree, but in mid-January it will be taken down. Tickets can be purchased online to either view the tree and receive a guided tour or to ice skate.
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