Transforming Midtown Manhattan into a Winter Wonderland
News: Get ready for the enchanting spectacle as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 is poised to turn Midtown Manhattan into a stunning winter wonderland. The centerpiece of this year’s celebration is a magnificent 12-ton Norway spruce, a generous gift from Vestal, New York. An industrious team has been working relentlessly to adorn the towering tree with an impressive array of over 50,000 multicolored lights, crafting a mesmerizing showcase that beautifully encapsulates the enchantment and joy of the holiday season.
A Spectacular Display of Lights
Crews took great care in embellishing the tree, methodically winding about five miles of LED lights around its branches. The result is a luminous glow that bathes the surroundings in light. At the heart of the ornamentation sits a magnificent 900-pound star, embellished with an astounding three million Swarovski crystals. This stunning crown enhances the already breathtaking display, infusing an additional layer of glamour and contributing to the creation of a truly enchanting atmosphere.
The Grand Moment: Tree Lighting Ceremony
As anticipation mounts, the climactic moment unfolds on Wednesday night during the traditional tree lighting ceremony. The Rockefeller Center plaza will burst into life with the radiant and carefully adorned tree, officially heralding the commencement of the holiday season in the heart of New York City. Enthusiastic visitors and spectators from both near and far are anticipated to gather, eagerly witnessing this iconic event and immersing themselves in the festive ambiance, capturing cherished moments through photographs. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has evolved into a beloved tradition, embodying the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. This year’s spectacle is poised to be a memorable celebration, promising to uplift the spirits of all in attendance.
Important Details and Schedule
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting promises an unforgettable experience. While the show kicks off at 8 p.m., it’s crucial to be aware that the actual illumination of the tree is scheduled a few minutes before 10 p.m. EST, as detailed on the Rockefeller Center’s website. Following this spectacular lighting event, the beautifully adorned tree will continue to radiate holiday joy daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13 at 10 p.m. On Christmas Day, revel in the festive glow for a continuous 24 hours, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the day and night. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the tree will be aglow from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing a special luminance to welcome in the new year. Don’t miss these enchanting moments!
A Captivating Centerpiece for Holiday Joy
Standing proudly at a height of 80 feet, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for 2023 may be slightly smaller than the previous year, but it continues to serve as a captivating centerpiece for holiday joy. With impressive dimensions of 80 feet in height and 43 feet in width, the tree remains a majestic symbol of the festive season. Bedecked with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, the tree transforms into a nightly spectacle, casting a radiant glow on its surroundings from 5 a.m. to midnight throughout the celebratory season. Notably, on Christmas Day, the tree will shine continuously for a full 24 hours, adding an extra touch of magic to the day’s festivities.
A Sustainable Conclusion
The distinctive three-dimensional star crowning the tree is a masterpiece designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. Impressive in its stature, the star weighs a remarkable 900 pounds and features 70 spikes, each adorned with a stunning array of 3 million crystals. This star stands as a focal point, enhancing the overall enchantment of the holiday display and adding an extra layer of glamour.
Once the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree completes its festive duty, it will embark on a new purpose aligned with the spirit of giving. The tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International, where it will be repurposed into lumber. This sustainable initiative ensures that the tree’s legacy extends beyond the holiday season, contributing to the construction of furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It marks a meaningful and eco-friendly conclusion to its role in spreading holiday joy at the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
A Beloved and Enduring Holiday Tradition
Spanning over 80 years, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting boasts a rich history as a cherished and enduring holiday tradition in the heart of New York City. Its roots trace back to 1931 when Rockefeller Center workers united to create a festive display, pooling resources to procure a Christmas tree. Adorned with handmade garlands crafted by the workers’ families, this modest tree marked the inception of an iconic annual event.
Formalized by the Rockefeller Center in 1933, the inaugural official tree lighting ceremony elevated the act of adorning a Christmas tree into a public spectacle that captivated both New Yorkers and visitors. Since then, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has evolved into a symbol of holiday cheer, unity, and the enchantment of the season. Each passing year sees the tradition adapt, with every tree bringing its unique charm to the iconic plaza.
Transformed into a major event, the ceremony now draws crowds and television audiences from around the world, attesting to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
A Star-Studded Affair
The highly anticipated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for 2023 is set to be a star-studded extravaganza, featuring a lineup of notable personalities as hosts and performers. Leading the festivities is the talented Kelly Clarkson, joined by NBC’s “TODAY” stars Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, infusing the event with their charisma and excitement.
The luminous roster of hosts is complemented by an array of renowned celebrities, each contributing to the magical atmosphere of the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony. Cher, known for her stellar performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, will return to grace the occasion. The legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, celebrated for hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” will showcase his musical prowess during the celebration.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, actress, singer, and television host Keke Palmer, recognized for her roles in “Scream Queens” and “Hustlers,” will be among the distinguished guests. “Dynasty” actress Liz Gillies and “Family Guy” creator and voice actor Seth MacFarlane, who recently released their Christmas album “We Wish You the Merriest,” will also contribute to the festive ambiance.
The world-renowned Rockettes, renowned for their precision and elegance, will grace the ceremony with a performance from their “Christmas Spectacular,” bringing the magic of their usual Radio City venue to the Rockefeller Center. The star-studded guest list extends further to include Darlene Love, hailed as the “Christmas Queen” by David Letterman, who will enchant the audience with her rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Additionally, instrumentalist Adam Blackstone, Grammy-award-winning musician David Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee, singer-songwriter Chlöe, country singer Carly Pearce, and Colombian sensation Manuel Turizo will each contribute their unique talents to the festivities.
Multiple Viewing Options
The magic of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting can be experienced through various channels, catering to both in-person and virtual audiences. For those who prefer the comfort of their homes, NBC will broadcast the event, providing a traditional viewing experience. The celebrations will also be accessible on multiple streaming platforms, including Peacock, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV, allowing a broader audience to enjoy the musical performances and the enchanting moment when the tree is illuminated.
For those in the vicinity or planning to visit New York City during the holiday season, witnessing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in person offers a unique and magical opportunity. The tree will be aglow daily from 5 a.m. until midnight until January 13, creating a festive atmosphere in the iconic plaza. On Christmas Day, the tree will remain illuminated for a continuous 24 hours, providing a special treat for those celebrating the holiday in the city. On New Year’s Eve, the tree will be lit from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., contributing to the city’s lively festivities.
A Breathtaking Celebration of the Holiday Season
In conclusion, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for 2023 is poised to be a truly breathtaking event, encapsulating the magic and spirit of the holiday season. From its meticulously adorned tree to the impressive star and the star-studded lineup of hosts and performers, this iconic celebration promises to bring joy and unity to all attendees and viewers alike. Whether witnessed in person or through various broadcast and streaming platforms, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting stands as a cherished tradition, symbolizing the commencement of the holiday season in the heart of New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for 2023?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting event for 2023 is planned for Wednesday, November 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The tree illumination itself is scheduled to happen a few minutes before 10 p.m. EST.
2. What is the duration of time that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will remain illuminated?
The decorated tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13 at 10 p.m. It will be continuously lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Eve, the illumination will extend from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3. What is the fate of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree after the conclusion of the holiday season?
Once it completes its festive role, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be given to Habitat for Humanity International, where it will be repurposed into lumber for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
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