Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, Dan + Shay and More to Perform onChristmas in Rockefeller CenterSpecial (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The Backstreet Boys; Jennifer Hudson.Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Rockefeller Center’s Christmas TreeLighting ceremony is going to be starry and bright.PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the lineup for this year’s Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.The Backstreet Boys,Coco Jones,Dan + Shay,Megan Hilty,Jennifer Hudson,Little Big Town,RAYEandThaliawill be taking the stage in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4at 8 p.m.forChristmas in Rockefeller Centeron NBC.TheRadio City Rockettesof Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, will also make an appearance during the broadcast helping to kick off the holiday season.Kelly Clarksonreturns to host the special for the second year in a row. TheAmerican Idolalum made her first appearance on the Rockefeller Center Christmas special over 20 years ago and has appeared several times since.Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay in Nashville in September 2024.Terry Wyatt/GettyIn 2023, the tree-lighting eventwas especially meaningful for Clarkson, 42, since her eponymous talk show moved from the West Coast to Rockefeller Center. “I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!” she said last year of her hosting gig.TODAYhostsSavannah Guthrie,Hoda Kotb,Al RokerandCraig Melvinwill also be making a special appearance during the festive evening.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“There is truly no tradition like watching that gorgeous tree sparkle and transforming Rockefeller Center into the epicenter of the holiday season in New York,” Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement.“With Kelly at the helm, we can’t wait to share this wonderful special and celebrate with the entire country.“This year’s treecomes from West Stockbridge, Mass. — the first time Rockefeller Center has gotten one from this New England state since 1959. The 73-foot tall, 43-foot wide Norway Spruce was cut down on Nov. 7 and arrived in New York City on Nov. 9.It will be decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a stunning three-dimensional Swarovski star.Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.Gary Hershorn/GettyOnce the tree is lit, it will be on display in Rockefeller Plaza until mid-January. The first tree-lighting ceremony dates back to 1933 during the Great Depression. Ever since, the massive and beautifully decorated tree has become a must-visit destination for all visiting New York during the holiday season.Christmas in Rockefeller Centerwill air live on Wednesday, Dec. 4 on NBC and be simultaneously broadcast on Peacock.

Rockefeller Center’s Christmas TreeLighting ceremony is going to be starry and bright.

PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the lineup for this year’s Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.The Backstreet Boys,Coco Jones,Dan + Shay,Megan Hilty,Jennifer Hudson,Little Big Town,RAYEandThaliawill be taking the stage in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4at 8 p.m.forChristmas in Rockefeller Centeron NBC.

TheRadio City Rockettesof Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, will also make an appearance during the broadcast helping to kick off the holiday season.

Kelly Clarksonreturns to host the special for the second year in a row. TheAmerican Idolalum made her first appearance on the Rockefeller Center Christmas special over 20 years ago and has appeared several times since.

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay in Nashville in September 2024.Terry Wyatt/Getty

Terry Wyatt/Getty

In 2023, the tree-lighting eventwas especially meaningful for Clarkson, 42, since her eponymous talk show moved from the West Coast to Rockefeller Center. “I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!” she said last year of her hosting gig.

TODAYhostsSavannah Guthrie,Hoda Kotb,Al RokerandCraig Melvinwill also be making a special appearance during the festive evening.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“There is truly no tradition like watching that gorgeous tree sparkle and transforming Rockefeller Center into the epicenter of the holiday season in New York,” Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement.

“With Kelly at the helm, we can’t wait to share this wonderful special and celebrate with the entire country.”

This year’s treecomes from West Stockbridge, Mass. — the first time Rockefeller Center has gotten one from this New England state since 1959. The 73-foot tall, 43-foot wide Norway Spruce was cut down on Nov. 7 and arrived in New York City on Nov. 9.

It will be decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a stunning three-dimensional Swarovski star.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.Gary Hershorn/Getty

Once the tree is lit, it will be on display in Rockefeller Plaza until mid-January. The first tree-lighting ceremony dates back to 1933 during the Great Depression. Ever since, the massive and beautifully decorated tree has become a must-visit destination for all visiting New York during the holiday season.

Christmas in Rockefeller Centerwill air live on Wednesday, Dec. 4 on NBC and be simultaneously broadcast on Peacock.

source: people.com