Rockefeller Christmas Tree To Shine Bright

The Christmas season will officially begin tonight with the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will go live Wednesday night regardless of the rainy weather.

This year’s tree will feature a 78-foot tall Norway Spruce that traveled 83 miles from Gardiner, New York. The 80-year-old tree, which weighs around 10 tons, will be decorated with around 30,000 sparkling lights. The tree’s donor, Albert Asendorf and Nancy Puchalski, will be in attendance at the celebration. To top it off, the tree will be finished with a Swarovski star.

Get immersed in the magic of the season—experience the Rockefeller Christmas showcase in the Channel Gardens today! pic.twitter.com/nWV38j7vtr

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— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) November 23, 2015

The tree-lighting ceremony will air on NBC and will be hosted by the Today show anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Natalie Morales. As always many big name performers will be in attendance for the special holiday showcase. Expect to see performances by Sting, Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli, The Band Perry, Andy Grammar, Carly Rae Jepsen, Pentatonix, Band of Merrymakers, and James Taylor. World-renowned trumpet player Chris Botti is also expected to make an appearance. As always, the Rockettes will kick off a special holiday performance. Thousands of spectators are expected to brave the rain and cold to catch the ceremony in person tonight. For those looking for a warmer setting, check out the live stream here or watch on NBC from 8-9 ET.