What to know
- The Rockefeller Center tree is lit and the holiday season is underway in New York City.
- Host Reba McEntire, Marc Anthony, Kristin Chenoweth, Brad Paisley, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé and the Radio City Rockettes entertained the crowd with festive performances.
- The 75-foot-tall Norway spruce from New York is 45 feet in diameter, weighs 11 tons and is dressed in 50,000 multicolored lights and a 900-pound Swarovski star.
From Christmas in the city to Christmas in the country
If a country Christmas is more your vibe, you might be interested in a country music-themed holiday special.
If you missed the hourlong "Christmas in Nashville" special, hosted by Trisha Yearwood on NBC, it will be available to stream tomorrow on Peacock.
Tune in for holiday performances from Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, Lauren Alaina, Ne-Yo, The War and Treaty, and Trace Adkins.
Photos: Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit
The tree is now lit after a night of performances by musical stars, guest appearances and a duet featuring host Reba McEntire and Kristin Chenoweth.
If you haven't had enough Christmas tree fun ...
... you can catch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow night in Washington.
This year's event takes place tomorrow and will be broadcast Friday.
The tree will be lit on the Ellipse at the White House and President’s Park. Great American Family will air the full event at 8 p.m. Friday.
This year's performers include Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, Gabby Barrett, Jillian Cardarelli, Jon Pardi, Matthew West, the Beach Boys, and Warren Zeiders, with Gabby Barrett and Matthew West serving as co-hosts.
The tree is officially lit!
It's officially the holiday season in New York City!
The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is officially lit and will shine for the rest of the season as a beacon of holiday spirit and cheer.
Just as the lights went up, a choir sang "Joy to the World."
Countdown underway!
The countdown to the tree lighting is underway!
In just a few seconds, the Rockefeller Center's 75-foot-tall Norwegian spruce will light up in 50,000 multicolored lights and a 900-pound Swarovski star.
Grinch beware!
Rockettes return to kick start the holiday spirit
The Rockettes returned for their annual beloved performance at the ceremony, performing in sparking outfits with dramatic high kicks and high-energy synchronized dancing.
100 years of high kicks from the Rockettes
The Rockettes have been kicking it for an entire century.
The famed dance troupe is celebrating its 100th year with its classic precise, high-kick dance routines.
And while it's New York staple, the group didn't start out that way. It got its start in 1925 as the “Missouri Rockets” in St. Louis, Missouri, before moving to Radio City Music Hall in 1932 and becoming the Rockettes.
For even more holiday programing
The holiday specials are just starting.
Plan out your festive viewing this week on NBC:
- "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET tomorrow
- "Frosty the Snowman," 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET tomorrow
- "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," 8 to 9:15 p.m. ET Friday
Kristin Chenoweth wows the crowd with 'Merry Christmas, Darling'
Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth took the stage with her rendition of “Merry Christmas, Darling” by The Carpenters.
Halle Bailey shines with performance of 'My Favorite Things'
Halle Bailey, a vision in a long white gown, sang “My Favorite Things,” the beloved song from “The Sound of Music.”
