Today's entertainment highlights include the premiere of Pop Culture Jeopardy! and the annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony, offering viewers a mix of trivia excitement and festive holiday spirit.
The holiday season in Portland began with the lighting of the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree, a 75-foot spectacle adorned with over 9,500 lights. Santa Claus initiated the illumination during a festive ceremony attended by a large crowd, complete with carolers enhancing the holiday atmosphere.
Despite initial criticism over its sparse appearance, Portland's holiday tree lighting event in Monument Square delighted attendees as the tree was illuminated, drawing cheers from the crowd. The tree, which was already slated for removal, was chosen due to its proximity and environmental considerations. City officials and residents expressed mixed feelings before the lighting, but many appreciated the tree's final display, highlighting its simplicity and elegance.
Strong winds on Tuesday caused the National Christmas tree, a 40-foot Norway spruce from Monongahela National Forest, to topple near the White House. The National Park Service is assessing the damage but remains optimistic that the tree lighting ceremony will proceed as planned on Thursday. This year's tree was not planted due to time constraints, breaking a tradition that dates back to 1973.