NEW YORK (AP) — On Wednesday evening, the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was lit up with 50,000 vibrant multi-colored lights, eliciting cheers from the excited crowds who gathered to witness this cherished annual event in New York City.
Standing at an impressive 74 feet (23 meters), this magnificent Norway spruce was cut down last month in the small town of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Atop the tree rests a stunning Swarovski star, adorned with 3 million glistening crystals, adding a magical touch to the holiday display.
The lighting ceremony signified the end of a long journey for the tree, which began back in 2020 when the head gardener of Rockefeller Center spotted it and reached out to the owners to suggest it be donated. This year’s event also serves as a reminder of how community spirit and tradition come together.
Located above the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, this beloved holiday attraction will remain illuminated for visitors until mid-January. Notably, on Christmas Day, the tree will shine brightly for a full 24 hours, allowing everyone to bask in its festive glow.
After the holiday season concludes, the tree will not go to waste; it will be repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, supporting a noble cause in the community.
Due to heightened security measures, police presence was significantly increased during this year’s tree-lighting ceremony. This decision came in the wake of a tragic incident earlier that day when an armed assailant killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare outside a hotel just five blocks away from Rockefeller Center. Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey assured the public that there would be a “massive presence” of police, including additional officers deployed across the subway system.
“This is a terrible event, but people are going to go on and enjoy the tree lighting tonight,” he affirmed, underscoring the community’s resilience amidst challenges.
