11/28/2012 9pm
Rockefeller Center
An 80-foot Norway spruce that made it through Superstorm Sandy is getting a chance to shine when it’s scheduled to be lit as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tonight at 9 p.m. ET.
Those lights are scheduled to be turned on just before 9 p.m. Wednesday in the 80th annual celebration. Prior to that, the tree-lighting event is expected to include performances from Rod Stewart, Cee Lo Green, Scotty McCreery, Il Volo, Chris Mann, Victoria Justice, Brooke White, Mariah Carey, Trace Adkins and Tony Bennett, along with appearances by Billy Crystal and Bette Midler.
The tradition of a Christmas tree in that location started in 1931, when workers building Rockefeller Center put up the first one. No tree was put up the following year, and in 1933, the first tree-lighting ceremony took place.
People will be able to view the tree until Jan. 7.