CHRISTMAS
Who is lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
The highly anticipated annual ceremony is taking place today for the 91st time with a familiar face hosting the event.
The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City is taking place Wednesday, 29 November. Hosting this year is singer Kelly Clarkson, reprising the role she had 20 years ago.
“I’m so excited to consider this city and Rockefeller Center my new home, and I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree,” Clarkson said in a statement on Monday.
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 Cher, Barry Manilow, Keke Palmer, and Seth MacFarlane.
It will be broadcast live as part of the NBC special “Christmas at Rockefeller Center”. It can be streamed on platforms with live tv.
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.