Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up for the season

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is illuminated by 50,000 multi-colored LEDs, New York, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2019. (AP)

One of the brightest signs of the holiday season is coming to light. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was officially turned on Wednesday at an event that featured celebrities including Idina Menzel, Lea Michele and Ne-Yo among the performers.

The tree, a Norway spruce that's more than 60 years old, stands 77 feet tall.

It was on the property of Carol Schultz in the village of Florida, New York, and was cut down last month.

The tree is decorated with miles of lights, with a huge Swarovski crystal star at the top.

It stays in pride of place until January 17, when it will be taken down and donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes.

There's been a tree in Rockefeller Center since 1931. The holiday lighting has been broadcast since 1951.

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