Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lights Up Tonight

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.

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.