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The NBC special, Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2024, was broadcast live from New York City on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The special celebrated the beginning of Christmas season in New York City with the tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been an annual New York City tradition that dates back to 1933. It is celebrated with much fanfare each year and is watched by thousands of people live at the Rockefeller Center. The event took place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET and was broadcast live on NBC and Peacock for viewers at home.
The Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2024 special featured a 74-feet tall Christmas tree
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This year's Christmas tree came from West Stockbridge in Massachusetts and was donated by the widower, Earl Albert in honor of his late wife, Lesley Albert. The magnificent Christmas tree is a 74-feet tall Norway spruce that was planted by the couple as newlyweds around 60 years ago. Moreover, the giant tree is 43 feet wide and weighs approximately 11 tons.
During the lighting ceremony, the tree was illuminated with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights to the sound of cheering crowds. The majestic tree was crowned with a glittering Swarovski star featuring 3 million crystals. It was designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind.
Who hosted the NBC special Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2024?
Kelly Clarkson returned to host the tree lighting ceremony for the second time in a row. She announced the news during an episode of her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, in November 2024:
"I got to host it last year, and I thought, 'Oh, this will be fun.'....It's so beautiful when you're standing there. I'm especially excited though, because for the second year in a row, I'm going to host 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center.'
The American Idol alum first performed at the ceremony in 2003, the year after she won the first season of the reality singing competition. She has performed at the tree lighting ceremony several times over the years. Clarkson also performed at this year's ceremony along with hosting the Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2024 special.
Moreover, she was joined by The Today Show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Craig Melvin at the Rockefeller Center.
The Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2024 saw several dazzling performances
During her announcement, Kelly Clarkson also gushed about the star-studded line-up of performers at this year's ceremony. She said:
"[The holiday special is] filled with the best music, star-studded surprises, and of course the lighting of the world-famous Christmas tree that is so special."
In addition to Clarkson, the ceremony saw performances by Jennifer Hudson, Megan Hilty, Coco Jones, Raye, and the world-renowned Latin pop singer, Thalia. Also, bands like the Backstreet Boys, Dan + Shay, and Little Big Town added to the festive cheer with their electric performances.
Lastly, the dance group Radio City Rockettes from the Radio City Music Hall kicked off the holiday season with their spectacularly-synchronised choreography.
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