Reba McEntire Joins The Rockettes Kick Line Ahead Of Tree Lighting

Reba McEntire To Host The Rockefeller Tree Lighting

The iconic Christmas in Rockefeller Center program is a holiday season staple that many look forward to all year. The Rockefeller christmas tree tradition dates back to 1931, with the first official tree-lighting ceremony occurring two years later in 1933.

This year, the tree is a 75-foot tall, 45-foot-wide Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York. It is topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star, and 50,000+ multi-colored LED lights will be illimunated during the ceremony.

Country music legend, Reba McEntire, is set to serve as host for the first time. She will be taking over for her friend and former daughter-in-law, Kelly Clarkson, who hosted in 2023 and 2024. Reba told PEOPLE that she is thrilled to be visiting New York in December for the first time, and added:

“To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony, Rockefeller Center, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and I’m honored that they asked me to do it.” 

In addition to her hosting duties, Reba will perform during the televised network special. Other performers in the lineup include Michael Bublé, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Gwen Stefani, and more.

Christmas In Rockefeller Center will air live on Wednesday, December 3rd at 8pm Eastern on NBC. It will also stream on Peacock at the same time.

An “Honorary Rockette” Joins The Kick Line

As anticipation for the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center celebration, the Rockettes shared a playful behind-the-scenes video with host Reba McEntire. In it, the queen of country can be seen alongside four of the famous dancers. Together, they show of some of the Rockettes signature dance moves, including the iconic high kicks.

See Reba McEntire dance with the Rockettes in the video below!

About The Rockettes

Precision dance company, The Rockettes, was founded in 1925 in St. Louis. In 1932, they moved to New York City to begin a residency at the Radio City Music Hall, and have called the venue home ever since.

While they perform year round, they are best known for their Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which draws more than one million attendees annually. The Rockettes choreography blends many dance styles including jazz, tap, ballet, and modern dance.

In addition to strict eligibility and audition requirements, the dancers are famous for their sky-high kicks, lightening-fast costume changes, and mirror-like precision.