Thousands gathered at Rockefeller Center in New York City for the much-anticipated annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday night, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the spirit of the season. The event proceeded as planned, despite the unfortunate incident of a shooting nearby earlier that day, emphasizing the resilience of the community and the power of holiday traditions to uplift spirits.
Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, the ceremony began at 8 p.m. and featured live performances, including a special appearance by the Backstreet Boys. The highly awaited moment arrived just before 10 p.m. when the massive tree was illuminated, captivating both the audience on-site and those watching from home.
Families were among the joyous crowds, such as the Eller family from North Carolina, who brought their young children to experience the magic of the holidays in New York for the first time. Tia Eller reflected on the excitement, remarking on the enjoyment despite the bustling crowd. Meanwhile, attendees like Josie Free from Alabama expressed their delight in witnessing the twinkling lights in person, a moment they’ve long looked forward to.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until mid-January, including special extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the nearby mass transit options, making it convenient for everyone to partake in the festive celebration.
This year, the tree, a Norway Spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, stands at 74 feet tall and weighs an impressive 11 tons. It is adorned with over 50,000 lights and is topped with a stunning 900-pound Swarovski star, decorated with three million crystals, symbolizing the glittering spirit of the holidays.
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting dates back to 1931, evolving from a simple gathering into an iconic celebration of winter festivities, with the record-setting tree lit in December 1999 being a towering 100 feet from Killingworth, Connecticut.
Overall, the event serves as a beacon of hope and joy during the holiday season, as communities come together to celebrate despite the challenges they face. It’s a reaffirmation of the joy that can be found in tradition, community, and the simple beauty of shared experiences.
### Summary:
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in NYC attracted thousands despite a nearby shooting earlier that day. Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, the event featured live performances and showcased a 74-foot Norway Spruce decorated with over 50,000 lights. The tree lighting tradition has been celebrated since 1931, and this year’s festivities continued to embody the spirit of community and resilience during the holiday season.