Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree turns on, with virus rules

NEW YORK (AP) — Rockin’ around the Christmas tree looks different for visitors at Rockefeller Center this year, starting with Wednesday’s tree lighting ceremony. What’s normally a chaotic, crowded tourist hotspot during the holiday season was instead a mask-mandated, time-limited, socially distanced locale due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tree had its holiday lights turned on in an event that was broadcast on television but closed to the public. In the days following the lighting until the early part of January, those wishing to take a look at the tree will have to follow a host of rules.