The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony was held in Rockefeller Center Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

This year's tree is a 72-foot, eight-ton Norway spruce from Hamilton, N.J.

The tree was hoisted into place last month and decorated with more than 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

Some of the stars who performed at the ceremony say despite the country's current financial struggles, this is what Christmas is all about.

"I know that the economy kind of stinks right now, but maybe we can concentrate on spending time with our family and being with those that we love," said actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth.

"But this is what it's about. Christmas is great, Tony Bennett is singing in the background, you've got to feel blessed," said actor-singer Jamie Foxx.

The tree is topped by a 10-feet wide star with more than 25,000 crystals.