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All the Celebrities Attending the 2023 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

So many celebrities gather for this storied holiday tradition in New York City's Rockefeller Center. 

By Christopher Rosa

There are many signs that the holiday season has started: the first crisp fall day, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, when you swap iced for hot coffee — the list goes on. Always on that list, though, is the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York City. 

The annual event happens in late November/early December, and it's always an exciting time. Of course, the tree itself is gorgeous — an 80-foot Norway Spruce adorned with more than 50,000 multicolored lights and a Swarovski star on top — but the evening is also packed with celebrities. So many A-listers bundle up outside 30 Rock to help ring in Christmastime, and the 2023 lineup is particularly fabulous. It even includes Cher. When the Goddess of Pop shows up, you know it's a party. 

Below, see all the celebrities attending the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2023: 

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All the celebrities attending the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2023

Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Kelly Clarkson is hosting the 2023 Rockefeller Center tree lighting, with additional commentary coming from  NBC News’ TODAY co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. 

Other celebrities slated to appear at the event include: 

  • Barry Mailow
  • Chloe Bailey
  • Seth McFarlane
  • Liz Gillies
  • Darlene Love
  • Carly Pearce
  • Manuel Turizo
  • David Foster & Katherine McPhee
  • Rob Thomas
  • John Legend
  • Trisha Yearwood 
  • Cher
  • Keke Palmer
  • Adam Blackstone
  • Alan Cumming 
  • Lainey Wilson 

The Radio City Rockettes will also be at the lighting ceremony, as well. 

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"I’m so excited to consider this city and Rockefeller Center my new home, and 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," Clarkson said in a statement ahead of the big night. 

“The lighting of that magnificent tree at Rockefeller Center is one of the true joys of the holiday season and to have Kelly both host and perform feels like we’re getting our Christmas presents early this year,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, at NBCUniversal Media Group. 

The tree lighting special, aptly title Christmas in Rockefeller Center, airs Wednesday, November 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and will simulcast on Peacock.