As the holiday season approaches, yuletide spirit is in the air, stockings are being hung over the fireplace, and the Rockettes are stretching their legs for the thousands of kicks they’re going to do over the next two months. Christmas revolves around traditions, and on Wednesday night, one of New York’s favorite traditions took place right in Rockefeller Center.
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” takes place in New York City at the start of the holiday season. During this annual event, NBC broadcasts the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree being decorated with almost 45,000 multi-colored LED lights and several musical groups performing hit songs and our favorite Christmas carols. Thousands of people flock to Rockefeller Center one day a year to see the glorious tree and bask in the holiday spirit, while others sit at home in their pajamas drinking hot cocoa as they settle in to watch the live broadcast.
This event has taken place since 1931, when construction workers first began putting up the tree in Rockefeller Center. Gardeners in charge of the Rockefeller tree hunt search all year long for the perfect tree. The tree is always a donation; no money is exchanged for the spectacle. This year, the tree was a Norway Spruce from Ulster County, NY. The tree is said to be 80 years old, 10 tons, 78 feet tall, and 47 feet in diameter.
This year, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” was hosted by “Today” anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales. There were also performances from Sting, Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli, The Band Perry, Andy Grammer, Carly Rae Jepsen, Pentatonix, Band of Merrymakers, and James Taylor, featuring world-renowned trumpeter Chris Botti. Along with these musicians, the evening also included a special performance by the Rockettes.
The event went off without a hitch. It was reported that extra security measures were taken in order to make the crowd of thousands feel safe throughout the night. The streets surrounding Rockefeller center were closed off and spectators were kept behind police barricades. The NYPD went above and beyond to make the guests at the event feel safe and secure. Overall, the night was a success and the perfect way to start off the holiday season.