Country Stars to Take Part in the Annual Lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Just a few days from now, the Holiday season will officially kick-off. To help start the Holiday season, some of our favorite country stars will help NBC with the 88th Annual Rockefeller Center TV special on December 2.

Yes, you heard it right! Despite the crisis we all are facing today, the symbolic tradition that started back in 1931 will still be observed. The lighting of a 75-foot tall Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York City’s Rockefeller Center will be featuring Dolly Parton, country music’s best duo Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, and Gwen Stefani, and many other big names in the industry.

In addition, Kelly Clarkson, Goo Goo Dolls, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jimmy Fallon, Tori Kelly, Leslie Odom Jr., Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, The cast of “Ain’t Too Proud” and the Radio City Rockettes are also part of this year’s roster.

A Virtual Lighting

You probably asked, if all these were to take place, how can minimum health standards be followed? Well, don’t worry because it will be done virtually. It may seem odd that for the first time, the historic Christmas landmark in New York will not be surrounded by people. But it’s not a total loss because the whole spectacle will be brought to your homes.

Every year, from the tree’s arrival ’till new Year, the Rockefeller Christmas tree seemed to steal all of the brightest lights in downtown New York. This year was nothing different. The tree, which was reported to be donated by Al Dick of Daddy Al’s General Store from Oneonta, New York, had social media buzzing.

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The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Social Media users looked into the details about how the tree looked to be sad and was just out of life. And, oh yes, who could forget about the owl? It was reported that a small saw-whet owl, the smallest species in the Northeast, was found inside the Christmas Tree. It was soon named ”Rockefeller” and was safely moved into a wildlife center and is in good condition.

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The lighting of the symbolic Rockefeller Christmas tree will be aired on NBC Wednesday, December 2, 7-10 pm.

For those who would like to visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree displayed between West 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, you could visit it daily from 6 am – 12 am. Here are some dates to take note of:

Dec. 2— The Tree will be lit for the first time on Rockefeller Plaza.
Dec. 25— On Christmas Day, the lights shine for a full 24 hours.
Dec. 31—On New Year’s Eve, visiting hours are from 6 am to 9 pm.