everybody in the christmas spirit reporter: this tree tradition has deep roots, started in 1931 at the height of the great depression by construction workers building rockefeller center, a custom that continues. i wanted to make sure you could see me most of all, i wanted to make sure you could see this tree. i was also on board and also sparkly when this year s tree pulled into the heart of manhattan, donated by the price family. we never thought a tree on our property would be selected for rockefeller center nope not in a million years. reporter: now adored and adorned, this rock star is ready to shine. joe fryer, nbc news new york and as you can hear, they re warming up for the big moment. our special coverage of the tree lighting begins minutes from now right here on nbc. that s nightly news. thank you for watching, everyone i m lester holt. please take care of yourself and each other. good night
stocks slid 2% in the wake of mounting tensions on the korean peninsula. meanwhile moody s massive credit downgrade of ireland dragged the euro to a two-week low. back home, according to com score online sales are up this 12% this holiday season, thanks to in large part to sales of ipads and laptops. bank of america is the latest financial institution to cut off payments to wikileaks calling the website s activities, quote, inconsistent with our internal policies. and finally, remember that gem-encrusted christmas tree we told you about worth $11 million? well it appears the abu dhabi luxury hotel that put up the decked-out tree is feeling a little guilty about its lavish display. the hotel now says it regrets, quote, attempts to overload the tree tradition. let s face it, a pretty good chance a lot of us will be in the long line at the return counter trying to exchange a
stocks slid 2% in the wake of mounting tensions on the korean peninsula. meanwhile moody s massive credit downgrade of ireland dragged the euro to a two-week low. back home, according to com score online sales are up this 12% this holiday season, thanks in large part to the sales of apple ipads and laptops. bank of america is the latest financial institution to cut off payments to wikileaks calling the website s activities, quote, inconsistent with our internal policies. and finally, remember that gem-encrusted christmas tree we told you about worth $11 million? well it appears the abu dhabi luxury hotel that put up the decked-out tree is feeling a little guilty about its lavish display. the hotel now says it regrets, quote, attempts to overload the tree tradition. let s face it, a pretty good chance a lot of us will be in the long line at the return counter trying to exchange a not-so-perfect present.