Despite a chilly night, a crowd of 200,000 filled Rockefeller Center to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony, with NBC's Today show co-hosts Ann Curry and Al Roker playing M.C. again this year. After a slew of performances by singers including Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch and Barry Manilow, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg—along with Santa Claus, former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Rock Center co-owner Jerry Speyer—flipped the switch for the 30,000 lights decorating the 76-foot tree.
Local affiliate WNBC's program director Adele Rifkin andTrans World International's Steve Mayer produced the made-for-television event, which aired nationwide on NBC.
The surrounding restaurants operated by Restaurant Associates hosted several V.I.P. parties during the festivities: Talent and execs from NBC and parent company General Electric took to the Rock Center Cafe, while the Sea Grill hosted a party for Rock Center owner Tishman Speyer.
—Jill Musguire
Read about last year's tree lighting ceremony...
Local affiliate WNBC's program director Adele Rifkin andTrans World International's Steve Mayer produced the made-for-television event, which aired nationwide on NBC.
The surrounding restaurants operated by Restaurant Associates hosted several V.I.P. parties during the festivities: Talent and execs from NBC and parent company General Electric took to the Rock Center Cafe, while the Sea Grill hosted a party for Rock Center owner Tishman Speyer.
—Jill Musguire
Read about last year's tree lighting ceremony...
At Rockefeller Center's annual tree lighting, Today co-hosts Al Roker and Ann Curry, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Rock Center co-owner Jerry Speyer, former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Santa Claus were on hand to flip the switch on the 30,000 lights decorating the tree. (Photo by Joe Vericker/PhotoBureau Inc.)
Sheryl Crow was one of several singers who performed during the ceremony. (Photo by Joe Vericker/PhotoBureau Inc.)
