The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit in New York City on Wednesday, December 4, kicking off the holiday season for New Yorkers.
Fifty-thousand multi-colored lights were illuminated on Rockefeller Center's iconic Christmas tree Wednesday evening to cheers from the crowds gathered to witness the annual New York City tradition.
The giant Norway spruce, which this year hails from a tiny Massachusetts town, is also topped with a Swarovski star crown featuring 3 million crystals.
The 74-foot-high (23-meter-high) tree was cut down last month in West Stockbridge and trucked to Rockefeller Plaza. Wednesday night's ceremony marked the culmination of the tree's long journey to New York, which began in 2020 when the center's head gardener spotted the tree and asked its owners if they'd consider donating it.
The Stars and the Lights Dazzled the Merry Night
The evening’s festivities, broadcast as NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center, featured Kelly Clarkson as both host and performer. Joined by "Today" show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, Clarkson introduced an impressive lineup of Grammy winners, Broadway stars, and one iconic boy band.
Memorable Performances Under the LightsBackstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys perform during the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Manhattan in New York City on December 4, 2024. Catlin Ochs/Reuters
The legendary boy band brought festive nostalgia with their rendition of “The Christmas Song” and followed it up with "Christmas in New York" and the Wham! classic "Last Christmas."
Coco Jones
US singer Coco Jones performs during the 2024 Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on December 4, 2024. Getty Images
Dressed in a stylish brown fur coat, Grammy winner Coco Jones captivated the crowd with songs from her Christmas album, including "String of Lights" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson performs during "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" during the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Scott Gries/NBC
The powerhouse vocalist sparkled as she performed "Winter Wonderland" and returned for a heartfelt encore of “Make It To Christmas,” showcasing tracks from her holiday debut, The Gift of Love.
Thalía
Thalía performs during the 2024 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4, 2024, in New York City. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
The Mexican superstar celebrated her Christmas album, Navidad Melancólica, with performances of "Feliz Navidad" and her original song, "Nueva Navidad," paired with a striking costume change.
Little Big Town
(L-R) Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town perform during the 2024 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 04, 2024 in New York City. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
The country group charmed the audience with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Back In Town,” songs from their holiday album,
The Christ
Raye performs during "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" during the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Jordan Curtis Hughes/NBC
British artist Raye lent her soulful voice to “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas,” continuing her standout year, which includes a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Dan + Shay
Dan + Shay perform during "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" during the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Ralph Bravo/NBC
The country duo energized the crowd with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and their original track, “Pick Out a Christmas Tree,” from their new album It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album.
Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty performs during "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" during the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Scott Gries/NBC
Broadway’s Megan Hilty delighted with “Hard Candy Christmas” and “The Man With the Bag,” adding a theatrical flair to the evening.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson performs during the 2024 Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. AP Photo via Getty Images
To close the event, Clarkson performed her hit holiday song “Underneath the Tree,” bringing the celebration to a joyous conclusion.
As the lights on the iconic tree shone brightly, New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the stage alongside longtime NBC anchor Chuck Scarborough, marking a perfect end to a night filled with music, magic, and holiday spirit.
