More Performers Added to Christmas in Rockefeller Center

Co-hosts Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie will have more company on stage as NBC just announced a new batch of performers have been added to the 15th annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special airing on November 28, 2012. Just announced to appear on the holiday special are Trace Adkins, Mariah Carey, CeeLo Green, Victoria Justice, Chris Mann, Rod Stewart, Il Volo, Billy Crystal, and Bette Milder, with the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree highlighting the evening.
 
This year’s tree is a Norway Spruce that stands about 80 feet high and is 50 feet in diameter. It’s estimated to be around 80 years old and weights about 10 tons.
 
Per NBC: “The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. First erected in 1933, the inaugural tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the then eight-month-old RCA Building, now the GE Building. The Christmas tree gathering was enhanced in 1936 with the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. NBC-TV televised the tree lighting for the first time in 1951 on The Kate Smith Show and as part of the nationwide Howdy Doody television show from 1953-55.”
 
Source: NBC