The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is tonight, December 4, and we have all the information on when and where to watch, who’s performing, and details on the tree itself. The end of the year is fast approaching, and one way to ring in the holiday season is with the official tree lighting. Here’s how to watch the beloved holiday tradition from home.
The tree-lighting ceremony is airing at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. It is a live broadcast and will last until around 10 p.m. ET. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is coming from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts this year. It’s 74 feet tall and weighs an estimated 11 tons, and it’ll take its place at Rockefeller Center where it will live until the New Year. According to a report from USA Today, the tree is a Norway Spruce, which can grow incredibly tall.
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“The Norway Spruce is great for the scale it can achieve; it can hold the lights on its branches, and it stands there nice and proud as the Tree should,” said Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener. “[This year’s tree] is perfect all around. It has that wonderful Christmas Tree shape all the way to the top.”
[RELATED: Here’s Everyone That’s Performing at Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2024]
Who is Performing at the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting?
Kelly Clarkson is hosting the Christmas in Rockefeller Center special tonight, as well as performing during the tree lighting. She’ll be joined by the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Megan Hilty, Little Big Town, Thalia, RAYE, Dan + Shay, and the Radio City Rockettes, as is tradition.
20 years ago, Kelly Clarkson performed at the 2003 Christmas in Rockefeller Center special, right after her American Idol win. Last year, she marked the milestone by hosting the special and is returning to the job once again.
“I was all of a sudden in a Charlie Brown movie, and it was magical,” she said recently of her experience last year. “I love the holidays here in New York,” she added, “Living here during Christmas is like you’re in a movie. There’s nothing like it in the world, especially the tree lighting ceremony.”
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