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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Finally Here

Photo credit: NYCLA - Getty Images
Photo credit: NYCLA - Getty Images

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in New York City! Following a tradition that dates back nearly a century, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit up last night as part of a star-studded ceremony that aired on NBC.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center included performances by Alessia Cara, Harry Connick Jr., Mickey Guyton, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Rob Thomas, and Carrie Underwood, to name a few. The Radio City Rockettes led the final performance of the night.

“TODAY” co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin hosted the holiday special, which is now available to watch on Peacock.

“After a year in which we weren’t able to have people join us in person, this tree-lighting ceremony will be incredibly monumental to those who can both attend and the millions of people who watch it across the country,” said Doug Vaughan, executive vice president of Special Programs, NBCU Television and Streaming, in a statement. “It’s truly an event that continues to inspire and a wonderful way to begin the holiday season.”

The very first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was on display in 1931, while the first tree-light ceremony took place two years later, in front of the Comcast Building, which was then known as the RCA Building. But it wasn't until 1951 that the ceremony was televised as part of The Katie Smith Show.

This year's tree is a 79-foot tall, 46-foot wide Norway Spruce from Elkton, Maryland. The evergreen, which weighs an estimated 12 tons, is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with Swarovski star.

Following the tree's departure from Rockefeller Center (it's on display until January 10th!), it will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, which will use it to help build a home.



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