30/11/2023
726 times read
30/11/2023
726 times read
![](https://www.arabtimesonline.com/uploads/imported_images/2023/11/2023_Rockefeller_Center_Christmas_Tree_Lighting_Ceremony_78083-4de1a-1701324358_176.jpeg)
NEW YORK, Nov 30, (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 am to midnight every day until Jan 13. On Christmas day, it'll be lit for 24 hours.