Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2016 Livestream: How to watch annual lighting live online

Culture

If holiday traditions warm your heart, but elbow-to-elbow crowds inspire more Grinch-like feelings, then livestreaming the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is the best present that can't be gift-wrapped. Rather than lining up early for the first-come, first-served event, viewers can watch online Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. Eastern.

To livestream the event you must visit NBC.com/live and log in with your TV service provider. Viewers who already have a user name and password from their providers don't need to create a new account, but those who do not have an account will need to create a new one. 

A festive tradition for more than seven decades, the lighting of the tree will be celebrated in a one-hour live special, featuring performances by Neil Diamond, Sarah McLachlan, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban and the Radio City Rockettes. The event will also include Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Jordan Smith and Tori Kelly.

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Christmas in Rockefeller Center will be hosted by Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales.

A grand total of 94 feet tall, this year's tree, which comes from Oneonta, New York, will be decorated with more than 50,000 lights and will be featured in Rockefeller Center through January 7, 2017.