80th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lit Up (PHOTOS)

An 80-foot-tall Norway tree became the guest of honor for the Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Slighting this year. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg turned on over 40,000 LED lights when the New York City Christmas Tree was lit Wednesday.

The lights turned on just before 9 p.m. after a star-studded concert was held in its honor featuring performances from Rod Stewart, CeeLo Green, Scotty McCreery, Il Volo, Victoria Justice, Brooke White, Mariah Carey, Trace Adkins and Tony Bennett along with appearances by Billy Crystal and Bette Midler.

Thousands of cheerful people crowded behind the barricades to catch a glimpse of the tree during the traditional tree-lighting ceremony for the Christmas holiday season. And for those who were unable to enjoy a direct view of the lighted artifact, a video screen projected the image, The State has reported.

The lighting of the tree is a tradition that dates back to 1931 while there was no such ceremony held in 1932, the very next year the first tree-lighting ceremony was held.

After being in the limelight till Jan.7, the tree will turn into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, The State has added.

Take a tour of the slideshow to witness the glittering ceremony.