Tight Security At Rockefeller Center For Christmas Tree Lighting
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The holiday season is in full swing in New York City, and residents and tourists alike flocked to Midtown Wednesday for the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
<strongPhotos: 84th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
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Mayor Bill de Blasio flipped the switch at 8:58 p.m. More than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights are bringing the 94-foot Norway spruce to life.
The crowd was soaking wet, but they had wide smiles.
"We had a blast," one spectator said.
Jessey Kenah and Sarah Fowler wouldn't have missed the lighting of the famed tree.
"It was such an honor to be able to be here," Fowler said. "We just moved here -- so it was awesome."
Coming from Virginia now living in Queens, the two were in search of the quintessential New York City holiday experience. They found it at Rockefeller Center, along with thousands of other New Yorkers and revelers from around the globe.
Neil Diamond, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Kelly and the Radio City Rockettes performed at the tree-lightning ceremony.
"The tree is just massive," said Lynn MacLachlan of the U.K. "I don't think we have anything so spectacular."
The thousands who came out to enjoy the spectacle got soaked with rain. They also saw a saturation of security around Rockefeller Center.
As CBS2's Jessica Layton reported, this year's celebration comes with even more security complications. Its Fifth Avenue site is just blocks away from the home of President-elect Donald Trump.
Thus, there was absolute gridlock all day near Rockefeller Center, with traffic crawling and people swarming. The area was also jam-packed with police, as the NYPD promised security out in force like New Yorkers and tourists have never seen before.
Metal barricades were set up by the NYPD Counterterrorism Task Force in and near Rockefeller Plaza for about four or five blocks. Police started mounting them on Tuesday.
Officers in helmets holding long guns stood along metal the fencing. The NYPD has also blocked roads with huge sanitation trucks.
Heading to Rockefeller Center? Umbrellas, backpacks and large bags are prohibited. We recommend using mass transit to beat the traffic! pic.twitter.com/vkenY2a2rD
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) November 30, 2016
Still, there was an excitement about the event, and people from all around the world said the added security made them feel safer.
"It's impressive. I've never seen so many police in one place, since our Halifax police force is not quite as large," said Stephanie Milner, who was visiting from Canada.
"We see police everywhere all the time. I feel safer here than a lot of other places I've visited – absolutely," added Kerry Calman, also visiting from Canada. "The crowd control, the fencing, the sirens – I mean, everywhere you look, they're on every corner."
The added security was a direct response to the threats to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade last week. The parade went off without a hitch, but an event that is expected to draw thousands of people is no time to take any chances.
"You can't take your safety for granted these days," said Monica Arias of Jersey City. "I have to be one step ahead of everybody."
"You just have to live your life anyway," MacLachlan said. "Regardless, you just have to carry on."
"It's the holiday season," Kenah said. "Do what you want to do and have fun. Just be safe."
And because of all the NYPD protection, the tradition carried on safely and securely for the 84th year.
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Beginning at 3 p.m., 48th, 49th, 50th and 51st Streets between Fifth and Sixth avenues were closed for the event.
The NYPD advised those traveling through the area to use mass transportation. Umbrellas, backpacks and other large bags were not permitted at the tree lighting ceremony.
This year's tree, hailing from upstate Oneonta, is the second-tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree ever. The tallest stood 100-feet tall and came from Killington, Connecticut in 1999.
The tree will be lit every day from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. until Jan. 7. On Christmas Day the lights will be on 24 hours.
After the holidays, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
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