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First Posted: 12/4/2013

(AP) A 76-foot Norway Spruce from Shelton, Conn., is set to be lit as New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.


The annual holiday tradition will take place Wednesday night. The 75-year-old tree will be illuminated by 45,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 9 -foot-wide Swarovski star.


“Today Show” personalities Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie and Natalie Morales will co-host “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” which will air on NBC at 8 p.m. EST.


Artists such as Mary J. Blige, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel and Leona Lewis will perform.


The first Christmas tree was set up in 1931 by workers who were building Rockefeller Center. The first tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933.


Associated Press