New York – The 88th year of lighting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center was hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin. With the safety measures taken because of COVID-19 the tree lighting ceremony was broadcasted live for people to view. Around the stage that would normally be surrounded by people was replaced with large round ornaments and huge boxes wrapped for Christmas.
A combination of performances on stage by Goo Goo Dolls, Dan + Shay, The Radio City Rockettes and more while other performers were live-streamed; Dolly Parton with virtual stream Jimmy Fallon, Pentatonix, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind, & Fire. Brett Eldredge performed in front of New York First Presbyterian Hospital honoring First Responders. Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge did a duet before lighting of the tree. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Rob Speyer, President and CEO of Tishman Speyer; own and operates Rockefeller Center hit the switch to light the tree.
The Norway Spruce was 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide weighing 11 tons from Oneonta, New York. The Swarovski Crystal star weighed 900 pounds with three million crystals.
Nancy Ann Peterson/photo-journalist