The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was lit by more than 50,000 multicolored lights Wednesday night as crowds massed in New York City for the holiday tradition. Videos posted to social media showed several hundred chanting pro-Palestinian protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags, crowded in front of the News Corp. building, not far from the tree site. The building houses Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. Footage from the scene showed a few protesters clashing with police outside the media company’s building as they tried to push forward to the tree but they were held back by police and the lighting ceremony wasn’t disrupted.
Quick Read
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City was lit with over 50,000 multicolored lights in a festive ceremony.
- Tree Specifications: The 12 ton, 80-foot-tall Norway spruce was adorned with about five miles of LED string lights and a 900-pound star embellished with 3 million crystals.
- Mayor’s Participation: New York City Mayor Eric Adams was present for the lighting, which was celebrated with a rendition of “Joy to the World.”
- Celebrity Appearances: The event featured performances and appearances by celebrities including Cher, Barry Manilow, Kelly Clarkson, and the Radio City Rockettes.
- Historical Tradition: Originating in the 1930s, the annual Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center attracts thousands of visitors each holiday season.
- Tree Lighting Schedule: The tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13, and for 24 hours on Christmas Day.
- Protest Near Event: Police anticipated protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict; pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the News Corp. building, close to the tree site.
- Protesters’ Activities: Demonstrators, some clashing with police, were eventually contained, ensuring the lighting ceremony proceeded without disruption.
- Previous Protest at Macy’s Parade: A similar protest occurred last week at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where demonstrators were taken into custody, allowing the parade to continue.
The Associated Press has the story:
Iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center illuminated in midst of pro-Palestinian protest
Newslooks- NEW YORK (AP)
The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was lit by more than 50,000 multicolored lights Wednesday night as crowds massed in New York City for the holiday tradition.
The massive tree — a 12 ton, 80-foot-tall Norway spruce from upstate New York — was illuminated in Rockefeller Center by about five miles (8 kilometers) of LED string lights and topped with a 900-pound star covered in 3 million gleaming crystals.
Mayor Eric Adams took part in the lighting before a cheering throng and a chorus sang “Joy to the World.”
An opening night ceremony in Manhattan featured appearances by Cher, Barry Manilow and Kelly Clarkson, among others. The Radio City Rockettes also performed.
Starting in the 1930s, the Christmas tree tradition has drawn thousands of visitors to the city each year during the holiday season.
The tree will remain lit from 5 a.m. to midnight every day until Jan. 13. On Christmas day, it’ll be lit 24 hours.
Police had warned of the potential for protesters to interrupt the event, as recent gatherings in New York have drawn activists seeking to bring attention to the Israel-Hamas war.
Videos posted to social media showed several hundred chanting pro-Palestinian protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags, crowded in front of the News Corp. building, not far from the tree site. The building houses Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. Footage from the scene showed a few protesters clashing with police outside the media company’s building as they tried to push forward to the tree but they were held back by police and the lighting ceremony wasn’t disrupted.
The demonstrators then turned around and marched away down Sixth Avenue.
Last week, a group of protesters carrying a banner that read “Free Palestine” briefly interrupted the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, blocking the front of parade floats on the street. They were eventually taken into custody and the parade continued.
