The annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony took place in New York City, drawing thousands of people to the iconic location despite a deadly shooting earlier that morning. Kelly Clarkson hosted the event, which featured live music and performances, including the Backstreet Boys.
Spectators arrived as early as 4 p.m. to secure entry, with families from North Carolina making their first holiday trip to New York City. The tree, a 70-year-old Norway Spruce from Massachusetts, was adorned with over 50,000 lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star.
The Rockefeller Center tree will be lit up through mid-January, with special hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Visitors can purchase tickets for the ice rink or observation decks, as well as a VIP pass for an up-close tour of the tree and champagne toast.
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Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/rockefeller-center-tree-lighting-2024