Heightened security amid Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting | Inquirer News

Heightened security amid Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting

/ 12:22 PM December 03, 2015

Rockefeller Center Tree

People watch as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit during a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, in New York. The Norway Spruce tree is lit with about 45,000 multi-colored LED lights. AP

NEW YORK — A 10-ton Christmas tree with 45,000 LED lights covering about five miles of wire has come alive in the rain to cap New York City’s annual ritual in Rockefeller Center.

The ceremony — nationally televised by NBC on Wednesday evening — included performances by Sting, Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli, James Taylor and other stars. Tens of thousands had a close-up view of the show.

Article continues after this advertisement

The celebration came with security restrictions including a prohibition on umbrellas.

FEATURED STORIES

Backpacks also were barred from the midtown festivities amid massive security.

READ: Australian Christmas tree sets record with 518,838 lights

Article continues after this advertisement

Streets surrounding Rockefeller Plaza were closed and spectators were kept behind police barricades.

Article continues after this advertisement

However, New York Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton says no credible threat has been reported.

The holiday tradition started in 1931. This year’s tree came from upstate Gardiner, New York.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: lighting, New York City, Police, Security

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.