Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, Dan + Shay and More to Perform on Christmas in Rockefeller Center Special (Exclusive)

Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is going to be starry and bright.

PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the lineup for this year's Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The Backstreet Boys , Coco Jones , Dan + Shay , Megan Hilty , Jennifer Hudson , Little Big Town , RAYE and Thalia will be taking the stage in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m. for Christmas in Rockefeller Center on NBC.

The Radio City Rockettes of Radio City's Christmas Spectacular, will also make an appearance during the broadcast helping to kick off the holiday season.

Kelly Clarkson returns to host the special for the second year in a row. The American Idol alum made her first appearance on the Rockefeller Center Christmas special over 20 years ago and has appeared several times since.

In 2023, the tree-lighting event was especially meaningful for Clarkson, 42, since her eponymous talk show moved from the West Coast to Rockefeller Center. "I can't imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!" she said last year of her hosting gig.

TODAY hosts Savannah Guthrie , Hoda Kotb , Al Roker and Craig Melvin will also be making a special appearance during the festive evening.

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"There is truly no tradition like watching that gorgeous tree sparkle and transforming Rockefeller Center into the epicenter of the holiday season in New York," Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement.

"With Kelly at the helm, we can't wait to share this wonderful special and celebrate with the entire country."

This year's tree comes from West Stockbridge, Mass. — the first time Rockefeller Center has gotten one from this New England state since 1959. The 73-foot tall, 43-foot wide Norway Spruce was cut down on Nov. 7 and arrived in New York City on Nov. 9.

It will be decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a stunning three-dimensional Swarovski star.

Once the tree is lit, it will be on display in Rockefeller Plaza until mid-January. The first tree-lighting ceremony dates back to 1933 during the Great Depression. Ever since, the massive and beautifully decorated tree has become a must-visit destination for all visiting New York during the holiday season.