5 Facts About Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Tradition

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a beloved tradition for generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike. Every year, a towering tree is erected in the heart of Manhattan, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a giant star. But have you ever wondered how this tradition came to be? Here are five fascinating facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition.

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was erected in 1931 by a group of construction workers who were building the complex. The tree was a 20-foot balsam fir, and it was decorated with handmade ornaments and a star made of paper. The tree was such a hit that it became an annual tradition.

Fact 1: The Tree Selection Process is Rigorous

Every year, the search begins for the perfect tree to adorn the Rockefeller Center. The ideal tree is a Norway spruce that is between 75 and 100 feet tall, with a symmetrical shape and a full, dense canopy. The tree is typically chosen from a private property in the northeastern United States or Canada, and the selection process can take up to a year.

The criteria for selection are strict, and the tree must meet a long list of requirements, including:

• Species: Norway spruce
• Height: 75-100 feet
• Shape: Symmetrical
• Canopy: Full and dense
• Branches: Sturdy and well-spaced
• Trunk: Straight and at least 35 inches in diameter

Fact 1.1: The Tree is Inspected by Experts

Before a tree is selected, it is inspected by a team of experts, including arborists and horticulturists. They evaluate the tree's condition, taking into account factors such as its age, health, and structure. The team also assesses the tree's aesthetic appeal, looking for a symmetrical shape and a full, dense canopy.

Fact 2: The Tree is Transported with Great Care

Once a tree is selected, it is transported to the Rockefeller Center using a custom-built trailer. The tree is wrapped in a specialized net to protect it during transport, and it is secured to the trailer using a system of ropes and pulleys.

The transport process is a complex operation that requires great care and precision. The tree is typically transported at night, when traffic is lighter, and it is escorted by a team of police officers and tree handlers.

Fact 2.1: The Tree is Planted in a Special Pit

When the tree arrives at the Rockefeller Center, it is planted in a special pit that is designed to support its massive size. The pit is 14 feet deep and 34 feet wide, and it is lined with a layer of gravel to help with drainage.

The tree is secured to the pit using a system of ropes and pulleys, and it is surrounded by a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

Fact 3: The Tree is Decorated with Thousands of Lights

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is famous for its dazzling display of lights, which are carefully strung across the tree's branches using a network of wires and clips. The tree is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights, which are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The lights are turned on in late November, and they remain lit until January 6th, when the tree is taken down.

Fact 3.1: The Tree Topper is a Giant Star

The tree topper is a giant star that is made of Swarovski crystal and weighs over 900 pounds. The star is 9.5 feet in diameter and features 25,000 crystals that reflect the light of the tree.

The star is a symbol of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and it is a beloved tradition that is cherished by millions of people around the world.

Fact 4: The Tree is Recycled After the Holiday Season

After the holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is recycled into lumber, which is donated to Habitat for Humanity. The lumber is used to build homes for those in need, and it is a wonderful way to give back to the community.

The tree's recycling process is a complex operation that involves a team of experts who carefully disassemble the tree and transport it to a sawmill.

Fact 4.1: The Tree's Wood is Used to Build Homes

The lumber from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is used to build homes for those in need. The wood is milled into boards, which are then used to construct the frames of houses.

The homes are built by Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing to low-income families.

Fact 5: The Tree is a Symbol of Hope and Joy

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of hope and joy, and it brings people together from all over the world. The tree is a reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion, and it is a beloved tradition that is cherished by millions of people.

The tree's message of hope and joy is something that resonates deeply with people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season.

Fact 5.1: The Tree is a Beloved Tradition

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beloved tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike. The tree is a symbol of the holiday season, and it is a reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

The tree's tradition is something that is deeply ingrained in American culture, and it is a reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season.

We hope you enjoyed these fascinating facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition. Whether you're a native New Yorker or just visiting the city, the tree is a must-see attraction that is sure to bring joy and cheer to people of all ages.

If you have any questions or comments about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you!

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