On Wednesday, locals and visitors from far and wide braved the chilly weather and bustling crowds to wait hours for a chance to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit up for the season.
This 75-foot Norway spruce, originally from Rensselaer County, New York, was covered in a dazzling display of 50,000 colored lights, illuminating the Midtown area around 10 p.m.
Sharon Harvey, who traveled all the way from England, expressed her excitement, saying, “Ever since I saw ‘Home Alone,’ I’ve wanted to see the Rockefeller Tree.” This was a special experience organized as a 60th birthday gift from her sister Hannah.
Harvey remarked, “New York at Christmas is magical,” reflecting on her experience as she and her sister waited since 3:30 p.m. to witness the ceremony.
Patricia Procobio, along with her best friend, arrived around 2 p.m. from Richmond, Virginia, eager to be the first in line. “This is definitely on my bucket list,” she shared. “It’s the 100th anniversary of the tree lighting. I thought, ‘I have to go!'” She highlighted how her best friend would explore the city, but today was all about the tree for her.
Jessica Howell, 33, was taking in the sights of New York for the first time with her friend Michelle Bullock, who is 46. “I love Christmas. I grew up watching the tree lighting on TV, and I wanted to see it in person this year after watching it last year,” Howell shared.
Additionally, Katie DeMarco made the journey from Colombia with her husband, 5-year-old daughter, and mother-in-law, simply stating, “It’s iconic. This is Christmas in New York!”
The tree, which was installed on November 8th, had a special connection for Judy Russ, who helped choose it alongside her 7-year-old son Liam. The tree had stood in their yard for 75 years and was donated in memory of her husband Dan, who passed away in 2020. His dream was for the tree to one day grace Rockefeller Center, a wish that has now come true.
