Pearl Gabel/New York Daily News
The mighty 76-foot Christmas tree is seen all lit up during the 81st Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday night.
NEW YORK — With a flick of the switch, a 76-foot Norway Spruce officially became the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree Wednesday night after it was illuminated for the first time this holiday season in a ceremony that’s been held since 1933.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg turned on the lights just before 9 p.m., setting off a dazzling 45,000 multi-colored LED lights and a 9 1/2-foot-wide Swarovski star that topped the 12-ton tree.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
The tree is adorned with a 9 1/2-foot-wide Swarovski crystal-studded star.
Adam Connery, 41, and his wife Kristy Connery, 37, from Tyngsborough, Mass., watched the ceremony on their first vacation to New York City.
RELATED: MERRY NEW YORKERS RECALL THEIR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES[1]
Pearl Gabel/New York Daily News
The switch to its 45,000 multi-colored LED lights was flicked at 9 p.m.
“It’s gorgeous, it’s enormous,” said Kristy Connery of the massive tree towering above the hundreds of thousands of people who gathered to watch the ceremony. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year.”
The holiday event in midtown Manhattan also was watched by millions on television.
Pearl Gabel/New York Daily News
The Rockettes perform at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony.
The tree will be on display until Jan. 7, after which it’ll be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
RELATED: MICHELLE OBAMA UNVEILS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS[2]
James Devaney/WireImage
Mariah Carey wore a stunning floor-length white gown while taking the tree-lighting stage, Wednesday night.
Artists such as Mary J. Blige, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis performed.
Lamar Lakins, 37, a housekeeper from Queens, brought his wife, mother, 10-year-old daughter Shanel, and newborn son to watch the performances and see the tree lighting.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
The singer was also seen wearing a red and white dress in the style of Mrs. Claus during a pre-tape of the Christmas lighting on Tuesday.
He and Shanel danced together in the plaza during a performance of “Jingle Bells.”
James Devaney/WireImage
The holiday event in midtown Manhattan was watched by millions of people on television.
“I just love this,” he said of the gathering. “It’s just people out enjoying themselves. I’m definitely a fan of the holiday season.”
The approximately 75-year-old tree made the 70-mile trip to New York City on a tractor-trailer from its home in Shelton, Conn., last month.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
Jewel performs during the 81st Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City.
“Today Show” personalities Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie and Natalie Morales co-hosted “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” which aired on NBC.
They dedicated the broadcast to James Lovell[3] , 58, a married father of four and a sound and lighting expert who worked on the tree.
Pearl Gabel/New York Daily News
Leona Lewis performs at the ceremony Wednesday evening.
Lovell was one of four people killed when a Metro-North commuter train derailed in the Bronx on Sunday.
He was on his way to work on the tree when the accident occurred.
D. Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Lewis sang 'White Christmas' and her new song, 'One More Sleep,' during the festivities.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
John Rzeznik (center), Robby Takac (right) and other members of the Goo Goo Dolls take the stage before the massive crowd.
D. Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Mary J. Blige, who sang 'The Christmas Song' from her new album, was one of the night's many performers.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
'Today' show journalists Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, Al Roker and Matt Lauer (left to right) arive for the ceremony.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
Singer Jewel wore an eye-popping gold sequined gown for the occasion.
Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
Miss Universe Gabriela Isler (left) and country singer Lauren Alaina of 'America Idol' fame join the proceedings at Rockefeller Center. Alaina performed her holiday song 'Grown Up Christmas List' for the crowd.
Pearl Gabel/New York Daily News
The glittering tree is framed by angels, as seen from Fifth Ave.
References
- ^ RELATED: MERRY NEW YORKERS RECALL THEIR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ RELATED: MICHELLE OBAMA UNVEILS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ James Lovell (www.nydailynews.com)
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