On December 1, 2022, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony marked the beginning of the holiday season in New York City, a beloved tradition that drew crowds from around the world. The 90th annual tree lighting event saw thousands gather at the iconic Midtown location, eager to witness the towering Norway Spruce, standing at 82 feet tall, lit up with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights.
This year’s ceremony featured numerous celebrity performances, with top names such as Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical joining in the festivities. Notably, Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson brought a sense of festive cheer to the event with her rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” John Legend, an ongoing favorite during holiday events, also performed his hit “You Deserve It All” as part of the night’s musical lineup. The evening was hosted by NBC anchor Hoda Kotb, who kept the atmosphere lively and warm as temperatures dipped below freezing.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is not just a cultural spectacle but a symbol of holiday togetherness. The star of the show, a 90-year-old Norway Spruce, was transported to the plaza from a home in Queensbury, New York. The tree, which took nearly a week to install, is decorated with 3 million Swarovski crystals, showcasing an elegant 9-foot-wide star atop the tree that shone bright for the rest of the season. It’s a symbol of the hope and joy the city embodies, and for many visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The tree lighting ceremony itself was broadcast live across the world, reaching millions of viewers as they tuned in to watch this significant New York event. The event has become a global holiday staple, attracting tourists from various countries who make it a point to visit Rockefeller Center during the festive period. The scene was further complemented by the city’s glittering holiday decorations, with store windows along Fifth Avenue and light displays transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
This annual tradition also highlights the importance of giving back during the holiday season, with the tree being part of an ongoing commitment by the Rockefeller Center team to charity and outreach initiatives. Visitors were encouraged to donate to various local organizations, reflecting the spirit of community and kindness that New York City is known for.
As the lights glistened, the 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting marked another joyous occasion in the city’s holiday calendar, leaving New Yorkers and visitors alike with a sense of warmth and cheer that would last through the month of December.
