Rockefeller Christmas Tree: A Timeless Nyc Holiday Tradition

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a beloved holiday tradition that has been a staple of New York City's festive season for nearly nine decades. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world flock to Midtown Manhattan to catch a glimpse of the towering tree, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a giant Swarovski crystal star.

The History of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

The tradition of erecting a Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center dates back to 1931, when a group of construction workers building the complex decided to decorate a 20-foot balsam fir with handmade ornaments. The tree was placed in the center of the construction site, and it quickly became a popular attraction among the workers and local residents.

In 1933, the first official Rockefeller Christmas Tree was erected, and it has been a annual tradition ever since. Over the years, the tree has grown in size and stature, with some trees reaching heights of over 100 feet.

Selection and Preparation of the Tree

The selection process for the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a rigorous one, with a team of experts scouring the northeastern United States and Canada for the perfect tree. The ideal tree is a Norway spruce that is between 75 and 100 feet tall, with a symmetrical shape and a full, dense canopy.

Once a tree is selected, it is carefully harvested and transported to Rockefeller Center, where it is erected in the center of the complex. The tree is then decorated with thousands of lights, which are carefully strung by a team of experts over the course of several days.

The Tree's Decorations

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is famous for its stunning decorations, which include thousands of lights, hundreds of ornaments, and a giant Swarovski crystal star that tops the tree. The star is made up of 25,000 crystals and weighs over 900 pounds.

In addition to the lights and ornaments, the tree is also decorated with a giant ribbon that wraps around the trunk, and a series of large, colorful banners that hang from the branches.

Visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a must-see attraction during the holiday season in New York City. Visitors can view the tree from December to early January, and it is open to the public 24 hours a day.

In addition to viewing the tree, visitors can also ice skate at the rink in Rockefeller Center, take a tour of the complex, or visit the nearby shops and restaurants.

Tips for Visiting the Tree

If you're planning to visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Get there early: The tree is most crowded in the evenings and on weekends, so try to visit during the day or early in the morning if you can.
• Dress warmly: It can get chilly in the winter, especially in the evenings, so make sure to dress warmly when visiting the tree.
• Be prepared for security: There is security at the entrance to Rockefeller Center, so be prepared to go through a metal detector and have your bags checked.

The Tree's Environmental Impact

In recent years, there has been some concern about the environmental impact of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. The tree is typically a Norway spruce, which is not native to the northeastern United States, and some have questioned whether it is sustainable to cut down a tree every year.

However, the Rockefeller Center has taken steps to reduce the tree's environmental impact, including using LED lights, which use significantly less energy than traditional lights, and recycling the tree after the holiday season.

What Happens to the Tree After the Holiday Season?

After the holiday season, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it is milled into lumber and used to build homes for those in need.

Conclusion

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a beloved holiday tradition that has been a staple of New York City's festive season for nearly nine decades. From its humble beginnings as a small tree decorated by construction workers to the towering, glittering spectacle it is today, the tree is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city during the holidays.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season and a reminder of the joy and wonder of the time of year.

We hope you enjoyed this article about the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the section below.

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