NEW YORK — The holiday spirit was in full swing on Wednesday night as thousands gathered at Rockefeller Center in New York City for the traditional holiday tree lighting ceremony. The event proceeded without disruption, despite the tragic shooting earlier that day involving UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which occurred just a few blocks away.
This year’s ceremony was hosted by Kelly Clarkson, who led the festivities beginning at 8 p.m. The audience enjoyed live performances, including a special appearance by the Backstreet Boys. The moment everyone had been waiting for—the lighting of the tree—took place just before 10 p.m.
Spectators were eager to witness the event, with many lining up as early as 4 p.m. to secure their spots at entrances on 48th and 51st Streets along Sixth Avenue. Tia Eller, who brought her young children from North Carolina for their first holiday experience in New York, expressed her delight, stating, “They did really good. We got them to stop screaming. There were a lot of people in a small space. It was really awesome.”
Josie Free from Alabama, who has followed the event on TV for years, shared her excitement about attending in person this year. Tracey Free added that the display of lights was truly beautiful.
For those looking to witness the Rockefeller Center tree, it will be illuminated daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until mid-January. On Christmas Eve, it will be lit for 24 hours, with special hours on New Year’s Eve, where it will shine from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The massive Norway Spruce, rising 74 feet tall and weighing 11 tons, hails from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts—the first tree selected from the state since 1959. The tree was cut down on November 7 and transported to the city by November 9. It is adorned with over 50,000 vibrant lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski star, which weighs 900 pounds and is embellished with 3 million crystals.
The history of this beloved holiday tradition dates back to 1931 when a group of workers came together to buy and decorate a 20-foot Balsam Fir. The first official tree lighting occurred two years later, and in December 1999, a record-breaking 100-foot tree from Killingworth, Connecticut, was showcased.
This celebration not only marks the start of the holiday season but also serves as a reminder of resilience and community spirit, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared experience of joy and festivity despite the challenges that may arise.
In summary, the Rockefeller Center holiday tree lighting ceremony once again brought communities together, combining excitement and tradition while illuminating the heart of New York City as the holiday season commences.