Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

            On November 30, 2010 The Annual Christmas Tree Ceremony took place in Rockefeller Center yet again, just in time to kick in all of the holiday spirit. This Christmas tradition has been taking place in the Big Apple since 1933. To start the tradition and set the precedent a 20 foot tree was decorated by the Rockefeller Center workers. Every year the tree gains more lights and shines brighter. In 1933 there was 700 lights on the tree, last night 30,000 lights twinkled across NYC.  Thousands gathered around to watch Major Bloomberg light the 74 foot tree, which was donated by Peter and Stephanie Action of Mahopac, New York. The lighting of the most famous tree in the country brings people of all different characteristics together in the celebration of Christmas and other holidays throughout the winter season.

            The tree lighting in NYC is recorded and played live on WNBC so people don’t even have to leave their homes to be a part of this holiday event. Many celebrities joined in with holiday spirit to sing and perform in Rockefeller Center on Tuesday. Stars such as Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Jessica Simpson, Susan Boyle, Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue as well as Boyz II Men. The Radio City Rockettes also put in a little kick into the 78^th Annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony.

            In the past years of the Tree Lighting Ceremony the trees have been donated from other states such as Connecticut, and New Jersey as well as New York. The tree stands tall shining up until the week after New Years Day. After the tree is removed from the Rockefeller Center it is taken and recycled in many varieties of ways. In 2007 the tree was taken and used to furnish lumber for a Habitat of Humanity house construction. The tree is an amazing sight to be seen by everyone.