New Yorkers line up to see iconic Christmas tree

In a year that has upended normal life, many New Yorkers are taking comfort in one of the few holiday traditions that are still alive. Hundreds lined up on Wednesday with their loved ones to catch a glimpse of the city's iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Halimah Gass brought her 2-year-old daughter from their home in Brooklyn to see the tree — her first trip in the city, and a short opportunity, Gass says, to forget the pain that the pandemic has caused her family and so many others.

"I actually lost my mom this year to COVID, so I'm just trying to keep pushing forward, continue the norms and do traditions like this so we can stay in good spirits," Gass said.

This year, the only way to see the tree is to get in a socially-distanced line. Viewers are allowed to enter a viewing area in small groups, and spend a few minutes snapping family photos before the next group is allowed to enter.