De Blasio Cancels Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Appearance After Garner Decision
Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, an 85-foot Norway spruce from central Pennsylvania is hoisted onto a platform on November 7, 2014. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Tens of thousands are expected to attend the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree Wednesday night, but Mayor Bill de Blasio will not be at the event.
De Blasio canceled his appearance after a grand jury declined to indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner.
About 45,00 LED lights will illuminate the 85-foot-tall Norway spruce, which was donated by a couple from central Pennsylvania.
PHOTOS: Rockefeller Center Tree Goes Up
Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper and other music stars will perform at the event, which has been held since 1933.
The 13-ton tree will be on display through Jan.7.
The NYPD said the following streets will be subject to closures from about 3 p.m. until the end of the event: 48th, 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets between Avenue of the Americas and Fifth Avenue.
Spectators are urged to us mass transit to get to the event.
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