Christmas 2024: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting sparks holiday magic in New York
The Rockefeller Center kicked off NYC's holiday season with the lighting of a 74-foot Norway spruce from Massachusetts, adorned with 50,000 lights and a Swarovski star with 3 million crystals. Kelly Clarkson hosted the event, featuring performances by the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Hudson.
New York City's holiday season began with the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, a famous event that brings thousands of visitors each year. On Wednesday night, a 74-foot Norway spruce illuminated the downtown skyline with 50,000 colourful lights.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is officially sparkling on Center Plaza ? Are you planning to see it in person? pic.twitter.com/q6loym6IQB
¡ª Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) December 5, 2024
Kelly Clarkson led the evening's activities, marking her second year as emcee for the event. A brilliant Swarovski star, decorated with 3 million crystals, topped the tree, adding to its grandeur.
This year's tree, acquired from the little village of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is over 70 years old, weighs approximately 11 tons, and was chopped down in November for its voyage to New York.
The Christmas Tree has arrived at Rockefeller Center in New York City! ? The 74-feet-tall, 43-foot-in-diameter, 11-ton Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is from West Stockbridge, MA. pic.twitter.com/i88TUnqmTR
¡ª NewYorkCityKopp (@newyorkcitykopp) November 9, 2024
The Rockefeller Center's head gardener discovered the spruce in 2020 and asked the owners about donating it. On Wednesday night, its three-year trip to the city ended with a magnificent celebration over the famed Rockefeller Center ice rink.
The event featured a star-studded line-up of artists
The event featured a star-studded roster of artists, including the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Hudson, who entertained the large crowd and commemorated the start of the holiday season.
Kelly Clarkson just casually hitting these notes in the freezing cold at Christmas in Rockefeller Center. Queen. pic.twitter.com/KjSoWqnkBy
¡ª Lee (@caseyleemoore) December 5, 2024
Jennifer Hudson slayed at Christmas in Rockefeller Center and she looked amazing ?. Looks were served. Jennifer did that. @IAMJHUD pic.twitter.com/mSQSgPlE2n
¡ª Brandon. ? (@brandon_smotek) December 5, 2024
Visitors may now admire the tree, which will be lit until mid-January. On Christmas Day, the lights will remain on for 24 hours.
The tradition began in 1931
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1931 and has evolved into a two-hour extravaganza featuring music, performances, and holiday cheer.
The very first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, 1931. pic.twitter.com/PqobMyBCrn
¡ª New York Noir (@newyork_noir) December 5, 2024
Beyond being a stunning centrepiece, the tree serves a more profound purpose. Following the holiday season, it will be reused into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, extending the organization's charitable heritage.
Also read: 'Christmas Tree Syndrome' Linked To Allergic Reactions To Ornaments, Here's What You Need To Know
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