Thousands gathered for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree Wednesday evening, officially ushering in the holiday season for many in New York City.
“We love Christmas, and there’s nothing like Christmas in New York,” said Laura Parker, 27, who traveled from the United Kingdom with her husband and mother. “It’s bigger and better.”
Before the tree’s 50,000 LED bulbs were lit, a host of performers –- including Gwen Stefani, “Hamilton” alum Leslie Odom Jr., Harry Connick Jr., Seal, Train and Pentatonix – serenaded the packed plaza with classic Christmas tunes.
“Harry Connick Jr. is pretty awesome. Train is also one of my favorite groups,” said Tina Dupre, 36, of Albany. “We love the performers and the atmosphere.”
To make sure that atmosphere stayed safe, NYPD officers were out in full force. Traffic was blocked all around Rockefeller Center, and anyone entering the plaza had to go through a security checkpoint. Backpacks were not allowed in.
Stefan Billeb, 31, traveled to the city for the first time from Germany with his wife, Agnes.
“[Security] is a bit much, but I feel safe overall,” Billeb said. “I like Christmas in New York because it’s different, you hear all the Christmas music everywhere you go. It’s not like that in Germany.”
Most in attendance seemed to agree that the tight security and heavy police presence were worth it for the sense of safety.
“I have no problem with this,” said Karina Benhail, 36, of the Bronx. “There are too many idiots around here doing crazy things. You need the security. It took us like five minutes to get through security, and we were fine.”
Robert Kingwill, 20, of California, made the trip to New York for the first time with a host of family members.
“You grow up watching all those Christmas movies and it’s always set in New York City. There’s just something about it that feels fun,” Kingwill said.
Beginning Thursday, the tree will be lit from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., until Jan. 7, when the lights will be turned off for the last time at 9 p.m. Then the wood from the tree will be salvaged by Habitat for Humanity to build homes for the poor.
