Witness the iconic lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York City

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has once again captured the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors alike. On Wednesday, December 3, the 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce dazzled onlookers as it illuminated Midtown Manhattan, marking the official start of the holiday season.

Thousands of spectators gathered for the enchanting event, including travelers from abroad. Rudy Tonner from Scotland shared, "This is my first visit to New York, and it means so much to me. I love it."

The towering tree is adorned with 50,000 colorful lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star. It was transported from upstate New York in November for this yearly celebration, which has been a cherished tradition since 1931.

The live broadcast on NBC and Peacock featured star-studded performances. Reba McEntire hosted the event alongside NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. The evening included musical performances by Brad Paisley, Laufey, Michael Bubl, Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani, Halle Bailey, Marc Anthony, Carly Pearce, and New Edition. The Radio City Rockettes also took the stage to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

The night was filled with festive performances, including McEntire singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and energizing the crowd with "Run Rudolph Run." Gwen Stefani delighted audiences with "Shake the Snow Globe," "Hot Cocoa," and "You Make It Feel Like Christmas."

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting remains one of New York City's most iconic holiday traditions, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the magic of the season under the glow of one of the worlds most famous Christmas trees.

Author: Jackson Miller