AP/ November 30, 2011, 9:36 PM

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up

The 74-foot-tall Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit using 30,000 energy efficient LED lights in the 79th annual lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in New York.

The 74-foot-tall Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit using 30,000 energy efficient LED lights in the 79th annual lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in New York. / AP Photo

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has helped light the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, putting a spotlight on a small-town spruce from Pennsylvania.

The 74-foot-tall Norway spruce was illuminated by 30,000 lights during a ceremony Wednesday night.

The crowd was entertained by Neil Diamond and Cee Lo Green. Justin Bieber and Tony Bennett provided pre-taped performances.

The tree was cut down in Pennsylvania. It's decorated with 5 miles of lights. The lights will be on until Jan. 7. After that, the Christmas tree will be turned into lumber for the housing charity Habitat for Humanity.

Workers building Rockefeller Center set up the first Christmas tree there in 1931. The first official tree-lighting ceremony was in 1933.

© 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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neecy926 says:
Mariah Carey dressed like a **** in what was basically a santa themed nightie with f-me boots.. licking her lips, running her finger down her breasts.. while they show 8 year old boys visting santa? ***? Justin Bieber in the video too! THAT was an all time TV low. Mariah....you should be ashamed of yourself.
And CBS....I'm sure someone pre viewed the video before it was shown. She ruined an other wise nice begining to the holiday season.
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bajajohn1 says:
Missed this tree being lit, but I won't miss mine being lit.
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bet365 replies:
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I didn't miss the tree being lit. I watched most of it, but I will miss the tree in D.C. being lit.
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GARDENS123 says:
IX NAY THE BLONDE GIRL WITH T_TTS AND A_S/JUSTIN BIEBER MUSIC VIDEO....WAS CLASSY TILL THEN. ) : TOO BAD. MERRY CHRISTMAS ( :
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