Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Illuminated in New York City

December 5, 2024 TruthUSA

NEW YORK—On Wednesday evening, cheers erupted from the crowds as 50,000 vibrant lights were lit on the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, a cherished tradition in New York City.

This year’s grand Norway spruce, which comes from a small town in Massachusetts, is crowned with a Swarovski star adorned with 3 million crystals.

Standing 74 feet tall, the tree was cut down last month in West Stockbridge and transported to Rockefeller Plaza. The lighting ceremony on Wednesday signified the end of the tree’s long journey to New York, which began in 2020 when the center’s chief gardener discovered the tree and inquired if its owners would be willing to donate it.

The well-known holiday attraction, situated above the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, will be available for viewing until mid-January. On Christmas Day, the tree will shine brightly for a full 24 hours.

After the holiday season concludes, the tree will be repurposed for lumber, benefiting Habitat for Humanity.

In light of heightened security due to a shooting incident on Wednesday morning that resulted in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, approximately five blocks away from Rockefeller Center, security measures were intensified for the annual tree-lighting event. Police Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey indicated earlier that there would be a “massive presence” of law enforcement, including extra officers in the subway system.