The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit on Wednesday night, officially ushering in the winter holiday in New York City and across the United States.
However, not everyone in the Big Apple is full of the season's iconic cheer.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center to support the people of Gaza by attempting to derail the annual tree lighting, which was hosted by Kelly Clarkson.
The New York Post reported that the protesters were stopped in their tracks by the New York Police Department (NYPD) along Sixth Avenue.
Protesters have instead swarmed the tree outside the News Corp building, which houses the Post, the Wall Street Journal, and Fox News. They have already targeted the building twice before Wednesday night's demonstration.
Among the signs displayed in the protest was that of a swastika, comparing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to the Nazis.
Some protesters also called NYPD officers pushing them back and away from the Rockefeller Center tree "f***ing Nazis."
NYPD Expects Protesters
Previously, the NYPD has told its staff that "elevated vigilance" would be necessary in this year's tree lighting ceremony. This was after New York-based pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime said that the annual Christmas tradition would also coincide with the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The NYPD acted on the potential threat after pro-Palestine protesters also attempted to hijack this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
The Post added in its report that some of the officers were assaulted during their attempt to push back the protesters.
Several protesters were arrested, but it was not clear whether they were charged.
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Spectators Jeer Protesters
Aside from the NYPD, thousands of tourists visiting New York for the annual tree-lighting event jeered at the pro-Palestinian protesters for standing in the way of the wholesome tradition.
"I had planned my holiday around this event, being a big fan of Christmas," 42-year-old British tourist Jamie Fry told the Post. "Now I'm walled in by a bunch of terrorist-loving a**holes calling for [an] intifada. Their strategy for sympathy is disruption, but all they'll get out of me is a big 'F*** you.'"
Opal Burnett from St. Louis, Missouri also praised the NYPD's massive presence in the event and appreciated how they were keeping people in the event safe.
"It's super, super annoying. Just excruciating," the 33-year-old added. "Seeing these people in such large numbers, it makes me feel embarrassed to be an American because people are watching this happening from abroad."
Meanwhile, Clarkson was not the only star that performed during the event. Cher was also a highlight of the show as she performed her new Christmas track "DJ Play a Christmas Song."
Barry Manilow, David Foster, Katherine McPhee, and the Radio City Rockettes were only some of the performers during Wednesday night's show.
