Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lights Up Tonight

by josiemitchell | December 3, 2008 at 10:29 am

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The Famous Christmas tree at RockeFeller Center, Newyork

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uploaded by amreekandesi

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree lights up tonight in the heart of Manhattan at Rockefeller Center. The tree lighting is a true sign of Christmas in New York and the event should promise to attract thousands.

Rockefeller Center is about to get a lot brighter.

On Wednesday evening, the 76th Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will be held at the midtown Manhattan complex.

The 8-ton, 72-foot Norway spruce will be illuminated at 8:58 p.m. in the center's plaza near the skating rink and the gilded statue depicting Prometheus bringing fire to mankind.

The tree, which is 40 feet round, has been decorated with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights on 5 miles of wire, topped with a massive crystal star. It was donated by the Varanyak family in Hamilton Township, N.J.

The Today Show’s Al Roker will host the live holiday celebration of the 76th Tree Lighting Ceremony. The whole star-studded spectacle will be broadcast live on NBC from 8PM to 9PM and will feature performances by Beyonce, David Cook, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., and other stars.

This year's tree will be even greener too!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is going "greener" — with energy-saving lights replacing old-fashioned bulbs on the towering evergreen this year. Weather permitting, the tree will also get some of its electricity from 363 solar panels just installed atop Rockefeller Center.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he hoped the change to the midtown Manhattan display will inspire the tens of millions of New Yorkers and tourists who see the tree every year.

"Now they will see an example of green leadership which may inspire them to make greener choices in their own lives," Bloomberg said Tuesday.

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empressteal

at 13:15 on December 3rd, 2008

I love New York over the holidays. I have romantic notions that come from watching Miracle on 34th Street and it never disappoints. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is truly spectacular.

empressteal has contributed a photo to this story.

maddaug

at 14:34 on December 3rd, 2008

Im usually there to see the tree every year but I'm at university now and don't think i will make it :(

maddaug has contributed a photo to this story.

Michael Popowski

at 15:03 on December 3rd, 2008

"The Rockefeller Christmas Tree lights up tonight in the heart of downtown New York at Rockefeller Center."

Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of Midtown Manattan, not downtown!

lefty_liberated

at 07:51 on December 4th, 2008

That is absolutely true. Granted this woman is reporting from the West coast of Canada.

josiemitchell

at 08:15 on December 4th, 2008

Thanks for catching that! I've only had the chance to visit New York once so my geography is a bit wonky, but now the article's been fixed! Thanks again.

missy0823

at 18:41 on December 3rd, 2008

Me, my mom, and my Uncle were on our way to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular, and my uncle was like, "Is that the tree?" And I told him yes, pulled out my camera, and took a picture of it.

missy0823 has contributed a photo to this story.