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All year long, Rockefeller Center stands as a recognizable part of the New York City skyline and a storied part of American history. But as the holidays descend on Midtown Manhattan, Rockefeller Center transforms into the city’s favorite winter wonderland. And its beacon is a perfectly pristine piece of nature.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is different every year, with each one seemingly more glorious than the last. (The very first Christmas Tree was a humble 20-foot Balsam Fir). The Norway Spruce has become Rockefeller Center’s tree species of choice over time, and this year’s hails from Queensbury, New York. Donated by the Lebowitz family, the tree stands at 82-feet tall and weighs 14 tons.
Rockefeller Center will celebrate its 90th Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30. At 10pm EST, the Tree’s 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski star topper will be set aglow for the first time in the season, officially ushering in the holidays and festive cheer.
November 30 will mark a special moment in history — one you won’t want to miss. For those of us who can’t witness the magic in person, here are all the ways you can catch the night’s festivities at home.
Watch on NBC
NBC Studios is headquartered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, so it’s only natural that NBC is Rockefeller Center’s home network. Airing at 8pm EST, the live national broadcast of Christmas in Rockefeller Center will be hosted by TODAY Show co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Mario Lopez. The night’s events will feature live performances by Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Dan + Shay, the Muppets of Sesame Street, and more.
Tune in on Instagram
If you aren’t already, follow Rockefeller Center on Instagram. The Rockefeller Center social media team will share live snaps of the night on its Stories and upload a Reel of the Tree’s inaugural light-up moment immediately after.
Check the official Rockefeller Center website
After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rockefeller Center will post a live stream of the Christmas Tree on Center Plaza directly on its website.
After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 6am to 12am on Center Plaza.

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