The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic holiday traditions in New York City, symbolizing the start of the Christmas season. For millions of people each year, the lighting of the tree is a festive occasion that brings together locals and tourists alike. Here’s an ultimate guide to the history, traditions, and practical details of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Early Origins: The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dates back to 1931, during the Great Depression. It was a modest 20-foot tree set up by construction workers building Rockefeller Center. They decorated it with handmade garlands of cranberries, paper, and tin cans. This early tree was a symbol of hope and resilience during tough times.
- Official Tradition Begins: In 1933, Rockefeller Center officially made the tree lighting an annual tradition. That year, a 50-foot tree was decorated with 700 lights, marking the start of the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- Growth of the Tradition: Over the decades, the Rockefeller tree has become larger, more elaborately decorated, and widely celebrated, drawing millions of visitors to New York City each holiday season.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Selection Process
- Where the Tree Comes From: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is typically a Norway spruce, chosen for its height, symmetry, and dense foliage. While the tree is often sourced from New York, it has also come from neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even further afield in the U.S.
- Criteria for Selection: The tree is generally between 75 and 100 feet tall and must be able to support heavy decorations and lights. Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, Erik Pauze, is often responsible for scouting and selecting the tree. The tree is usually chosen months in advance and transported to New York in mid-November.
- Donations: Many of the trees are donated by private owners who volunteer their trees for the event. The process of finding the perfect tree can take years, and many families take pride in having their tree chosen for this special honor.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Transportation
- Journey to New York City: Once the perfect tree is selected, it is carefully cut and transported to Rockefeller Plaza. The tree is often carried on a custom flatbed truck, escorted by police and sometimes raised onto the truck using a crane.
- Arrival at Rockefeller Center: Upon arriving in New York, the tree is hoisted into place at Rockefeller Plaza using a crane. The trunk is secured in a metal base designed to stabilize the massive tree.
Decoration and Lights
- Lighting the Tree: Once the tree is secured in place, the decoration process begins. More than 50,000 LED lights are strung around the tree, which amount to about 5 miles of lights. These lights are energy-efficient and powered by solar panels on top of Rockefeller Center.
- The Star: Since 2004, the top of the tree has been crowned with a Swarovski crystal star, originally designed by Michael Hammers. In 2018, a new star was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. This 900-pound, 9-foot-wide star is encrusted with 3 million Swarovski crystals and illuminated by 70 LED spikes, making it one of the most dazzling features of the tree.
- Ornaments: The tree is not typically decorated with traditional ornaments, as the focus is mainly on the lights and star. However, the sheer number of lights and the glowing star atop the tree create a spectacular holiday scene.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- The Event: The tree lighting ceremony typically takes place in late November or early December. It’s a star-studded event, featuring live performances from popular musicians, Christmas carolers, and appearances by celebrities. The event is broadcast live on NBC in an annual special called “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”
- Crowds: Thousands of spectators gather at Rockefeller Plaza to watch the tree lighting in person, while millions more tune in on television. The tree is lit around 9 p.m., after a countdown led by the performers and hosts.
- COVID-19 Adjustments: In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments were made to allow for social distancing and limited crowds, but the tradition remained a cherished part of the holiday season.
Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Location: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is displayed in the center of Rockefeller Plaza, located between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan.
- Dates: The tree is typically lit from late November or early December until early January. The lights are turned on daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, except for Christmas Day, when the lights stay on for a full 24 hours, and New Year’s Eve, when the lights are turned off at 9 p.m.
- Viewing the Tree: Visitors can view the tree up close by walking around Rockefeller Plaza, but be prepared for large crowds, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Early mornings or late nights are often the best times to avoid the crowds.
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: Many visitors combine their trip to see the tree with a skate at the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, located just below the tree. Skating in the shadow of the glowing tree is a quintessential New York holiday experience.
Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- Size: The tree usually stands between 75 and 100 feet tall, but the tallest tree ever displayed was a 100-foot Norway spruce from Killingworth, Connecticut, in 1999.
- Sustainability: After the holiday season, the tree is milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes. The tradition of recycling the tree began in 2007, ensuring the tree continues to give back to the community even after the holiday season.
- Famous Visitors: Over the years, the tree has been visited by dignitaries, celebrities, and even U.S. presidents. For many, the lighting of the Rockefeller tree is a symbol of peace and unity during the holiday season.
- First Televised Ceremony: The first nationally televised tree lighting ceremony took place in 1951 on NBC’s The Kate Smith Show, establishing it as a holiday TV tradition.
The Tree and Rockefeller Center’s Legacy
- A Symbol of New York Christmas: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree has become a global symbol of the holiday season, known for its beauty, grandeur, and connection to the spirit of giving. For many, visiting the tree is a bucket-list holiday experience.
- Iconic Status: The tree lighting has been depicted in films, TV shows, and holiday specials, reinforcing its place in popular culture. Movies like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Elf have featured the tree, further embedding it in the holiday imagination.
- Rockefeller Center as a Holiday Destination: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is part of a larger holiday experience that includes the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, and the ice skating rink. The entire area becomes a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
How to Watch the Tree Lighting
- In Person: If you plan to attend the tree lighting ceremony in person, arrive early. Some people begin lining up in the afternoon to secure a good viewing spot. However, note that space is limited, and crowds can be very dense.
- Television and Streaming: For those who can’t make it to New York, the tree lighting ceremony is broadcast live on NBC, usually starting around 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The broadcast includes performances and interviews leading up to the big moment.
Conclusion
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most enduring and beloved holiday traditions in New York City, with a history stretching back nearly 100 years. Whether you’re visiting in person to witness its dazzling lights or watching the annual lighting ceremony from home, the tree brings the magic and wonder of the Christmas season to life. Its place in the heart of Manhattan makes it a must-see during the holidays, and its grand scale and beauty continue to awe and inspire visitors from all over the world.
