New York City was ablaze with holiday spirit on Wednesday night as thousands gathered at Rockefeller Center for the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event proceeded as scheduled, drawing attention away from the tragic shooting involving UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which occurred just blocks away earlier that day.
Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, the ceremony kicked off at 8 p.m. with a lineup of performances that included popular acts like the Backstreet Boys, culminating in the tree lighting just before 10 p.m. Attendees began arriving early, with some queuing from 4 p.m. to secure their spot along Sixth Avenue.
Among those present was the Eller family, who traveled from North Carolina with their young children, ages 6, 4, and 1. Tia Eller reported that despite the large crowd, her kids managed to enjoy the experience: “They did really good. We got them to stop screaming. There were a lot of people in a small space. It was really awesome.” Another attendee, Josie Free from Alabama, expressed her excitement about witnessing the event in person after years of watching it on television.
Visitors can admire the illuminated tree from 5 a.m. to midnight through mid-January, with special extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The tree itself, a Norway Spruce sourced from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is a majestic 74 feet tall and adorned with over 50,000 lights. It features a stunning Swarovski star on top, weighing in at 900 pounds and embellished with 3 million crystals. This year marks the first time since 1959 that a tree from Massachusetts has been selected.
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting began in 1931 when workers first pooled their resources to erect a simple tree. That initial act of camaraderie has evolved into a beloved holiday staple, drawing guests from all over the world.
This year’s event not only celebrated the festive season but also underscored the resilience of New Yorkers coming together in the face of adversity, reminding everyone of the strength of community during challenging times.
In a delightful way, the story of the tree also serves as a beacon of hope and joy. As families and friends unite to share the magic of the lights, the spirit of the season shines brightly, encouraging all to embrace the warmth and togetherness that the holidays bring.