NEW YORK — After last year's event was closed to the public due to the pandemic, the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting was back in full swing Wednesday night.
After making a 140-mile journey from Elkton, Maryland, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – a 79-foot Norway spruce – was lit with 50,000 lights for the first time.
A view as Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rob Speyer, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker Light the Tree during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 01, 2021 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
A view of Rockefeller Center during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 01, 2021 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Thousands of spectators were expected to attend the event, which began with a preshow celebration beginning at 7 p.m. and the main event kicking off at 8 p.m.
The main event was hosted by "Today" hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin and Al Roker. Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the NBC hosts to light the tree.
A view as Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rob Speyer, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker Light the Tree during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 01, 2021 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Alessia Cara, Carrie Underwood, Pentatonix, Harry Connick Jr., Rob Thomas and Norah Jones were among those who performed during the event.
Alessia Cara performs onstage during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 01, 2021 in New York City.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Matt Sallee, Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi and Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix perform onstage during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 01, 2021 in New York City.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Also making an appearance were the Radio City Rockettes and the Broadway cast of "Come From Away."
How Can I See The Tree After The Lighting?
Daily viewing hours for the Rockefeller Christmas Tree will be from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. every day from Dec. 2 through the beginning of January 2022.
The tree is lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day and from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
Last year, visitors were given five-minute windows to view the tree. This year, that restriction is gone, but all visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering.
What Streets Are Closed?
The NYPD has already issued a holiday season gridlock alert through Jan. 2, 2022.
Full list of closures:
- 46th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 47th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- Rockefeller Plaza between 48th Street and 51st Street
- 6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
- 5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
New York City has also reintroduced several street closures around Rockefeller Center to make room for pedestrian-only areas.
The city has already started to partially close 49th and 50th streets, between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Vehicles are also not permitted onto 47th, 49th or 51st streets.
Moveable barriers are also being placed on Fifth and Sixth avenues to eliminate one lane of vehicle traffic.
Full details on the city's planned pedestrian spaces can be viewed here.
