Star-Studded Lineup Announced for Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual tradition of lighting the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree will take place on Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m. EST, as broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock. The event, known as «Christmas in Rockefeller Center,» promises to be a bright and star-studded occasion with a host of celebrity performances and appearances.

According to exclusive information revealed by PEOPLE, a lineup of renowned artists will take to the stage in Manhattan to celebrate the holiday season. Additionally, the illustrious Rockettes from Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular will participate in the evening’s festivities.

Kelly Clarkson, well-known for her musical career and as a television personality, returns to host the event for a second consecutive year. Clarkson, whose talk show recently relocated to Rockefeller Center from the West Coast, expressed her excitement about being part of the cherished New York tradition. «I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!» she previously remarked.

The prestigious event will feature appearances from the TODAY show hosts, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. Among those expected to be present are Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin.

In a statement, Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, highlighted the significance of the tree-lighting ceremony: «There is truly no tradition like watching that gorgeous tree sparkle and transforming Rockefeller Center into the epicenter of the holiday season in New York.»

This year’s tree, a 73-foot tall Norway Spruce hailing from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, marks the first instance since 1959 that a tree from this New England state has been selected. The tree, measuring 43 feet in width, was cut down on November 7 and reached New York City on November 9. It will be adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and crowned with a captivating three-dimensional Swarovski star.

The tradition of lighting a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center dates back to 1933, during the height of the Great Depression. Over the decades, the ceremony has evolved into a major holiday attraction, drawing crowds from around the world who gather to witness the majesty of the illuminated tree each year. The tree will remain on display in Rockefeller Plaza until mid-January.