Tree-lighting draws thousands

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was set aglow with 30,000 colored lights, officially kicking off the holiday season in New York.

Thousands of people packed the Midtown Manhattan plaza for the festivities, which were hosted by the "Today" show's Al Roker and Ann Curry.

Singers Martina McBride, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Sting and Bette Midler were among those who performed during the two-hour event, part of which was televised nationally on NBC.