New York City welcomed the festive season with its annual holiday tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, where thousands gathered Wednesday night despite the unsettling events earlier in the day, including a tragic shooting nearby.
The event, hosted once again by Kelly Clarkson, commenced at 8 p.m. with lively performances from artists, including the iconic Backstreet Boys, culminating in the much-anticipated illumination of the tree just before 10 p.m. Attendees began lining up as early as 4 p.m. at various entry points along Sixth Avenue.
Families from across the country, like the Eller family from North Carolina, shared their excitement about experiencing the holidays in New York for the first time. “They did really good. We got them to stop screaming,” Tia Eller remarked about her young children. Another attendee, Josie Free from Alabama, expressed her joy at seeing the tree, saying, “I always watch it on TV and record it, so it’s exciting.”
The tree itself, a stunning Norway Spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, stands 74 feet tall and weighs 11 tons. Celebrated for its splendid adornments—over 50,000 lights strung across five miles of wire and topped with a breathtaking 900-pound Swarovski star—the tree has become a symbol of holiday cheer. It will shine brightly from 5 a.m. to midnight until mid-January, with special extended hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The beloved tradition of lighting the Rockefeller Center tree began during the Great Depression in 1931 when workers came together to celebrate by pooling their resources for a Christmas tree. The first official lighting followed two years later, marking a festive legacy that continues to thrive.
As the holiday season unfolds, visitors can enjoy the enchanting display along with various activities, such as ice skating at the iconic rink and themed tours, ensuring that the spirit of joy and togetherness permeates throughout the city.
This year’s celebration not only marks the beauty of the holiday season but also reinforces a spirit of resilience, as New York City rallies together in joy and remembrance during these trying times.
In summary, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting encapsulates both tradition and community spirit, providing a warm gathering place for families and friends to celebrate and create cherished memories during the holiday season.