13 Beautiful Pictures Of The Tree-Lighting At Rockefeller Center

It wasn't enough to just get the 80-foot Christmas tree to the middle of Manhattan; they have to light it too.

1. On Wednesday night, the 80-foot Norway spruce in New York City's Rockefeller Center was lit.

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This year marks the ceremony's 80th anniversary.

2. The tree was covered in more than 45,000 LED lights...

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3. ...and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.

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4. Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists came out to watch the ceremony.

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5.

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Some looked more excited than others.

6.

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This Salvation Army volunteer, named Jessie Rock, danced for donations while everyone gathered around.

7. The NYPD were on call for crowd control.

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Also in case someone tried to steal the tree.

8. Cee Lo Green performed.

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In the world's most perfect coat.

9. So did Rod Stewart.

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He looks like he wants to give all of New York a big Christmas hug.

10. And, of course, the iconic Rockettes.

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11.

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12.

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Every Rockette has to be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2", no exceptions. I will admit to being the tiniest bit crushed to discover this (I'm 5'5" 1/2 on a good day).

13. The tree will remain lit until Jan. 7.

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By then everyone will have had such Christmas-decoration overload that they won't be too sad to see it go.