The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is an iconic holiday event that marks the beginning of the festive season in New York City. The 75-foot Norway Spruce adorned with over 50,000 multicolored lights and a 9-foot-diameter 2018 Swarovski star will be officially lit on Wednesday, December 3rd. This annual tradition has been enchanting spectators since 1933, but it gained national attention when NBC broadcasted the ceremony on The Kate Smith Show in 1951. Now, it has become a beloved tradition in households across the United States.
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This year, the Christmas in Rockefeller show will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, packed with an array of performances and joyous celebrations before the grand illumination of the towering spruce. A lineup of renowned artists, including Gwen Stefani, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Reba McEntire, will take the stage to spread holiday cheer. Reba McEntire will make her debut as the host of NBC’s live broadcast, adding her own charm and warmth to the event.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a spectacular sight to behold, attracting both locals and tourists to witness its grandeur until January 2026. After the holiday season, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and repurposed into lumber for building homes. The event starts at 7 p.m. ET, with NBC’s televised broadcast following at 8 p.m. ET for a two-hour special culminating in the tree lighting moment.
Reba McEntire, a country music legend and actress, will not only host the ceremony but will also treat viewers to a special performance. Excited about her first December visit to New York City, Reba expressed her delight at being part of the tradition. Alongside her, other popular artists will grace the stage, including Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, and the Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating a century of entertainment.
For those eager to catch the festivities from the comfort of their homes, NBC will broadcast the Rockefeller Tree lighting ceremony live. Additionally, the show will be simulcast on Peacock for viewers without cable access. It promises to be a night filled with magical performances, heartwarming moments, and the joy of the holiday season. So mark your calendars for December 3rd and join in the enchanting celebration of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.