The Christmas Tree

Overview

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York, is much more than just a holiday decoration; it is a global emblem of the festive season. Standing majestically in Rockefeller Plaza, this towering Norway spruce captures the imagination of millions annually, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its dazzling display. Its annual lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event, broadcast live, marking the official start of the holiday season in New York City.

Typically a Norway spruce, the tree is chosen for its impressive height, often ranging from 69 to 100 feet tall, and its dense, perfect shape. Adorned with approximately 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and crowned with a magnificent Swarovski star, the tree transforms the plaza into a magical winter wonderland. This iconic spectacle, alongside the famed ice-skating rink and the festive atmosphere of Rockefeller Center, creates an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

History & Cultural Background

The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree began in surprisingly humble circumstances in 1931, amidst the Great Depression. Construction workers building Rockefeller Center pooled their money to buy a modest 20-foot balsam fir. They decorated it with handmade garlands, strings of cranberries, and even tin cans, bringing a moment of joy and unity to a challenging time.

Two years later, in 1933, the Rockefeller Center publicists decided to make the tree an annual tradition, holding the first official lighting ceremony with a 50-foot tree. This gesture of hope quickly evolved into a beloved New York tradition. During World War II, the tree's decorations reflected the national mood, featuring patriotic red, white, and blue globes and painted wooden stars. In 1942, three separate, unlit trees, each representing one of the flag's colors, were displayed to support the war effort. The tree became a television star in 1951 when its lighting ceremony was first broadcast on 'The Kate Smith Show', cementing its status as a national symbol.

What Makes It Special

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is distinguished by several unique aspects. Its selection process is meticulous; the Head Gardener of Rockefeller Center, Erik Pauzé, scouts for years to find the perfect Norway spruce, ensuring it possesses a beautiful, dense shape. Once chosen, the tree makes a journey, sometimes from states away, to its prominent spot in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Its decoration is equally impressive, featuring over 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights, first introduced in 2007. This sustainable approach reduces electricity consumption significantly. The crowning glory is the stunning Swarovski crystal star. Since 2018, the tree has been topped with a star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, featuring 70 spikes and three million crystals, weighing 900 pounds, and emitting a powerful 106,000 lumens of light. Furthermore, after the holiday season, the tree continues its legacy of goodwill. Since 2007, it has been milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, used to build homes for those in need, transforming a symbol of festivity into a foundation of shelter.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• A Beacon of Hope: The very first tree in 1931 was a spontaneous act of kindness by construction workers during the Great Depression, who wished to brighten their spirits and those around them.
• Record Breaker: The tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to date stood an impressive 100 feet tall in 1999, hailing from Killingworth, Connecticut.
• Patriotic Displays: During World War II, the tree's decorations shifted to a patriotic theme, utilizing red, white, and blue elements, reflecting the country's wartime spirit.
• Guardian Angels: Complementing the tree, the majestic metal wire herald angels in the Channel Gardens, debuted by sculptor Valerie Clarebout in 1969, add another layer of festive artistry leading up to the Plaza.
• Television Debut: The tree's nationwide fame soared in 1951 when its lighting ceremony was first televised on 'The Kate Smith Show'.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is a quintessential New York holiday experience, attracting approximately 750,000 people daily during the season. To best enjoy this iconic landmark, strategic planning is key. The lighting ceremony itself, typically held on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving, draws enormous crowds, often requiring attendees to arrive hours in advance to secure a spot. Many locals advise watching the live broadcast and visiting the tree in person on a different day.

For a more serene visit, consider going early in the morning (around 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) or late in the evening (after 10:30 PM), especially on weekdays. During these times, the crowds are significantly thinner, allowing for better views and photographs of the magnificent tree and the surrounding festive decorations. The tree remains lit daily from 5:00 AM to midnight, staying on for a full 24 hours on Christmas Day. The entire display, including the ice-skating rink below, offers a truly magical atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holidays in New York City.