Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lights Up (Photos)

Arts

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lights Up (Photos)

December 5, 2019

Singers gather on a stage beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree after the 77-foot high tree was illuminated in the 87th annual tree lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

NEW YORK – One of the brightest signs of the holiday season has come to light. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was officially turned on Wednesday night, at an event featuring celebrities including Idina Menzel, Lea Michele and Ne-Yo among the performers.

The tree, a Norway spruce that’s more than 60 years old, stands 77 feet (23.5 meters) tall and was lit up in colorful Christmas lights before 10 p.m.

It was on the property of Carol Schultz in the village of Florida, New York, and was cut down last month.

The tree was decorated with miles of lights, with a huge Swarovski crystal star at the top.

It stays in place until January 17, when it will be taken down and donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes.

There’s been a tree in Rockefeller Center since 1931. The holiday lighting has been broadcast since 1951.

Singers gather on a stage beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree after the 77-foot high tree was illuminated in the 87th annual tree lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

A woman waits in a fifth floor window for the 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting to begin as entertainment acts continued, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is shown in a time exposure in which the photographer’s lens was zoomed at the 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

APTOPIX Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Workers are seen in a window moments after 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was illuminated, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Spider Lovers Scurry to Colorado Town in Search of Mating Tarantulas and Community

LA JUNTA, Colo. (AP) — Love is in the air on the Colorado plains — the kind that makes your heart beat a bit faster, quickens your step and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

The Souvlaki Vendor Who Met the Prime Minister of Greece

NEW YORK – During his recent visit to New York to participate in the opening session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited a fast-food stand owned by a Greek-American entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Michael Psaros Will be Honored in Athens

BOSTON – Noted businessman and well-known philanthropist Michael Psaros of New York will be honored in Athens on Monday, October 14 by the International Foundation for Greece at the Acropolis Museum.

Chinese Citizens Fleeing Growing Conflict in Lebanon Taken to Cyprus

LIMASSOL, Cyprus - With Cyprus preparing to take in people in Lebanon trying to get away from a spreading conflict that has seen Israel launch air strikes and ground movements hunting Hezbollah terrorists, about 80 Chinese citizens and their families were taken to the island.

Deputy Mayor Beekeeper Accused of Starting Corinth Fire Killing Two

CORINTH, Greece - A Deputy Mayor in Evrostina in the Corinth region of the Peloponnese suspected of accidentally starting a fire while tending to bee hives, the blaze destroying 16,062 acres and killing two was fined 3,000 euros ($3,308) will face additional charges.

Arts