Each winter, the heart of Manhattan transforms into a dazzling celebration of holiday cheer as the Tree at Rockefeller Center takes its place in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Standing tall and radiant with thousands of sparkling lights and a brilliant star atop, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is not just a tree it is a timeless symbol of New York’s holiday season. Visitors from around the world gather to witness this beloved tradition, taking photos, skating under its glow, and feeling the festive magic that permeates the air.
History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Humble Beginnings
The tradition began in 1931 when construction workers building Rockefeller Center pooled their money to purchase a 20-foot balsam fir tree and decorated it with handmade garlands. It was a modest display but sparked a tradition that would grow to international fame.
Becoming a Holiday Icon
By 1933, the first official tree lighting ceremony took place, complete with public festivities and electric lights. Over the decades, the tree has become an annual spectacle, gaining televised coverage and drawing millions of in-person visitors each year. It symbolizes hope, community, and the joyful spirit of the holidays in New York City.
Tree Selection and Installation
Finding the Perfect Tree
Every year, Rockefeller Center’s Head Gardener, along with a dedicated team, searches the northeastern United States for the ideal Norway spruce. The chosen tree typically stands between 75 and 90 feet tall and must be full, symmetrical, and healthy. Candidates are often found in backyards, schoolyards, or farms and are donated by proud owners who wish to share their tree with the world.
Transporting and Raising the Tree
Once selected, the tree is carefully cut and transported to New York City on a flatbed truck, sometimes even flown in via helicopter if necessary. When it arrives at Rockefeller Plaza, a massive crane hoists it into place. The process is meticulously planned and usually occurs in early November to allow time for decoration and preparation before the official lighting ceremony.
Decorating the Rockefeller Tree
Lights, Ornaments, and the Star
The Rockefeller Center Tree is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights strung on approximately five miles of wire. These lights are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, shining brilliantly each night throughout the holiday season.
Atop the tree sits a stunning Swarovski star. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the star features 70 spikes and over 3 million crystals, weighing around 900 pounds. It is a dazzling highlight that can be seen from blocks away.
Behind-the-Scenes Effort
Decorating the tree takes a team of professionals several days to complete. They use cherry pickers and climbing harnesses to reach all parts of the massive tree, ensuring every branch is beautifully lit and positioned. Safety and symmetry are paramount during the setup.
The Lighting Ceremony
A Magical Kickoff to the Holidays
The official Tree Lighting Ceremony is a major televised event that draws celebrities, musical performances, and thousands of spectators. Typically held in late November or early December, the event culminates in the flipping of the switch that brings the tree to life in a burst of color and light.
Live Entertainment and Broadcast
Broadcast by major television networks, the ceremony includes live musical acts, appearances by popular performers, and speeches from city officials. It marks the beginning of the holiday season in New York and often serves as a highlight of holiday programming nationwide.
Visiting the Rockefeller Tree
Best Times to Visit
The Rockefeller Tree is lit daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, and on Christmas Day, it remains illuminated for 24 hours. For those wishing to avoid crowds, early mornings and weekday visits offer the best experience. Peak times include weekends, evenings, and the week of Christmas, when crowds can be dense.
Activities Around the Tree
Visitors often enjoy a range of seasonal activities in the vicinity of the tree, including:
- Ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center
- Shopping at nearby Fifth Avenue stores
- Dining at local cafes and restaurants with holiday-themed menus
- Viewing holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue
Environmental and Social Impact
Sustainability Practices
Rockefeller Center has committed to sustainable practices regarding the tree. After the holiday season ends, the tree is donated to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, where it is milled into lumber used for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the use of LED lighting helps reduce energy consumption during the display period.
Community Engagement
The tree has become a symbol of unity and celebration, often decorated with messages of peace, diversity, and resilience. Each year, the tree represents not just a holiday tradition, but a beacon of hope for those who gather to witness its beauty.
Interesting Facts About the Tree
- The tallest tree ever used was 100 feet tall, from Connecticut, displayed in 1999.
- It takes around 8 hours to raise the tree into place at the Plaza.
- More than half a million people visit Rockefeller Plaza each day during the holiday season.
- The tree is typically lit from late November through early January.
What Makes the Rockefeller Tree So Special
A Global Symbol
Unlike many other holiday trees, the Rockefeller Center Tree is a cultural landmark. It has appeared in movies, holiday cards, and news broadcasts for decades. The tree is more than just a holiday decoration it is a treasured symbol of warmth, joy, and togetherness, particularly in times of national or global hardship.
A Must-See Holiday Destination
For both New Yorkers and tourists, seeing the tree is a quintessential holiday activity. It embodies the spirit of Christmas in the city, combining tradition, art, architecture, and community in one dazzling package. Whether you visit in person or watch from afar, the Tree at Rockefeller Center continues to bring holiday cheer to millions around the world each year.
The Tree at Rockefeller Center is more than a seasonal attraction it is an enduring tradition that lights up the heart of New York City and brings joy to people across the globe. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its current status as a global holiday icon, the tree represents unity, celebration, and the timeless magic of the season. For those planning a winter trip to New York, witnessing the Rockefeller Tree is an experience not to be missed.