Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree turns on, with virus rules

The 2020 Christmas in Rockefeller Center special won't look like previous years' events due to the pandemic, but some stars are still planning on appearing live from New York City. This year's tree came from Oneonta, in central NY.

Workers at Rockefeller Center first put up a tree in 1931.

Pentatonix performed "We Need A Little Christmas" from their album of the same name during Rockefeller Center's tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday (Dec. 2).

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is decorated with more than 50,000 multi-colored energy efficient lights topped by a Swarovski star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

Visitors will join a virtual line, and can get text messages to let them know when it's their turn. There will be a five-minute limit to tree-viewing.

NBC 4 reported Rockefeller Plaza is closed and the city has created "specific tree-viewing zones on the midtown Manhattan blocks on either side". In his press conference today, Mayor de Blasio outlined the new system, which includes closing 49th and 50th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues to vehicular traffic and setting up four-person "pods" where guests will be directed to see the tree.

Viewers will have to adhere to social distancing rules if they attempt to catch a glimpse of the 75-foot Norway spruce. Musical performances by Dan + Shay and Tori Kelly took place on the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, broadcast live on national television.

"It will be limited, the number of people that can get close".