Masses Attend Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony Despite Protests

It's an annual holiday tradition in NYC, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony went on Wednesday night even in the midst of protests over the decision by a grand jury not to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner.

As reported at cbslocal.com:

Much as they did last week following a grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri, protesters flooded the West Side Highway, shutting down traffic near 51st Street. Drivers found themselves flanked on all sides by protesters.

Some protesters had said they planned to disrupt the Christmas tree lighting ceremony between 7 and 9 p.m., but the NYPD would not let the protesters get anywhere near the tree.

Leading up to the lighting were performances from Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper, and many more, but the main attraction of course was the stunning 85-foot tall tree, dazzling with 45,000 LED lights.

Did you attend the ceremony last night and/or have you previously been to the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony?