Photos: Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree Lighting
MIDTOWN, NY – Rockefeller Center lit up its official Christmas tree for the 82nd time Wednesday, a holiday tradition that packed Midtown with thousands of onlookers eager to get into the spirit of the season.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio held the honor of flipping the switch to ignite the five miles of multicolored LED lights woven through the branches of the 72-foot-tall tree, as well as the 900-pound Swarovski crystal star sitting atop. He was booed by many in the crowd as he did so.
The 75-year-old tree was donated by a couple in Wallkill, 60 miles north of Manhattan.
Beginning in 1931, the festive tradition has made Rock Center synonymous with the Christmas season, not only in New York but throughout the country and many parts of the world. As with previous years, the ceremony was televised, allowing viewers everywhere to enjoy the lavish celebration that included performances by the likes of The Rockettes and music legends Diana Ross and Tony Bennett, to name a few.
The tree will remain on display throughout the holiday season and New Year. It will be dismantled on Jan. 7, 2019, and will then be given to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes.
See photos of the 2018 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony below:
Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
A child waits from an adjoining building for the start of the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
People watch from an adjoining building the scene before start of the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Kellie Pickler performs during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
In this aerial shot during Kellie Pickler’s performance, the Rockefeller Center Christmas can be seen without its iconic lights ahead of the ceremony. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Billy Porter performs during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The Rockettes perform during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
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People watch as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
People watch as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
People attend the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City. (Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is seen during it’s Lighting Ceremony in New York City. (Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP)
A general view during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City. (Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP)
Lead image by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP; Sourced from AP.