One of the most well known Christmas celebrations in the country is only a ferry ride away. Christmas in Rockefeller Center has been a tradition dating back to the 1930’s. It is loved not only by New Yorkers but people across the country. The festivities took place on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 7pm-9pm on the NBC network, the infamous tree was lit at 8:55pm. Its location was at Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plaza, from West 48th Street to West 51st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

             The hosts for the 77th annual tree lighting were Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) and Zachary Levi (Chuck). Special guests included Radio City Rockettes, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, and Shakira. They all performed a mixture of present hits to classic holiday tunes on beautifully decorated stages.

             The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. It was first lit in 1933. The tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the GE Building. The Christmas tree lighting was upgraded in 1936 because of the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. The NBC network showed the first tree lighting in 1951 on "The Kate Smith Show." It was also part of the nationwide Howdy Doody television show from 1953 1955.

             The 76 foot Norwegian spruce for Christmas 2009 originated from Easton, Connecticut. It was fifty years old at the time it was taken down. The tree used energy-efficient LEDs and is partially powered by solar panels on the roof of Rockefeller Center. As Jane Krakowski put it, "There it is! A symbol of hope, a beacon of peace, and an official sign that the holiday season has begun!"