Thousands attend Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting
NEW YORK — Thousands of rain-drenched revellers gathered in midtown Manhattan to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre.
NEW YORK — Thousands of rain-drenched revellers gathered in midtown Manhattan to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio flipped the switch on Wednesday (Nov 30) night, illuminating the 94-foot (29m) tall, 14-ton (12,700kg) Norway spruce with 50,000 multicoloured lights.
The 84th annual ceremony was televised by NBC and included performances by Neil Diamond, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Kelly and the Radio City Rockettes.
The holiday tradition started in 1931. This year’s tree came from the northern foothills of New York’s Catskill mountain range. After the holidays, it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
Security at the event was tight. Spectators were urged to use mass transit and umbrellas, backpacks and large bags were prohibited. AP
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