Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lit Tonight With Justin Bieber
The lighting of the iconic Christmas tree at New York City’s Rockefeller Center occurred tonight at 8 p.m. EST.
Airing on NBC, the annual occasion saw live performances by Justin Bieber, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, and many other musical artists. Over 250,000 people attended the event where 30,000 lights illuminated the tree.
The event displayed a Norway Spruce tree measuring 74 feet in height and 46 feet in diameter, which weighs 10 tons. The holiday event is a 78-year-old tradition that started in 1933 when the first tree was lit outside of the RCA Building, now the GE Building.
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Live performers included Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee from “Smash,” and the winner of “The Voice,” Javier Colon. Also in attendance were the famous Radio City Rockettes to dance while both classic and modern day holiday songs were performed.
The event took place alongside the outdoor skating rink in the Rockefeller Center. NBC broadcasted the event for the first time in 1953. Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie hosted the Christmas Tree Lighting television special.
Justin Bieber previously announced that he and Mariah Carey’s new video would premiere during the broadcast of the Christmas tree lighting.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a collaboration track by the two singers on Bieber’s new Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe. The brand new music video was filmed three weeks ago in Macy’s and has been long anticipated by fans.
“BIG NEWS!” Bieber posted on his Twitter account Saturday. “Me and @MariahCarey will debut “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Video WORLDWIDE on the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting.”
Bieber performed songs from his new Christmas album during the special, which started at 7 p.m. and lasted until 9 p.m. Wednesday night on NBC.
