The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Has Arrived in New York City
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in New York City. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is now ready to be lit, signaling the start of the holiday season. Here is a look at this year's massive tree, as well as how you can take part in its magic from near or far.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrival Signals the Start of the Holiday Season
One of the most revered traditions of the holiday season is the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. That tradition is one step closer now that the official tree has arrived in the Big Apple. This year's tree is a 76-foot Norway spruce from West Edmeston, New York.
Police escorted the towering tree on Saturday. According to Rockefeller Center, this year's chosen tree weighs roughly 11 tons and measures 50 feet across. Property owner Rebecca Decker donated this year's beauty.
The process to identify and transport each year's tree starts years earlier. This year's tree was selected six years ago by Erik Pauze, head gardener for Rockefeller Center. Pauze identifies trees as they approach maximum height and become too large for their original property. They cut the tree down on Thursday, November 5. A large crane had to lift the tree and place it on a flatbed truck to make the 200-mile journey to Manhattan.
Video footage shows the NYPD Highway Unit escorting the tree to its resting spot in the middle of Manhattan. Rockefeller Center celebrated the centerpiece of its famous holiday display with a special Meet the Tree Day. Visitors were invited to take part in a variety of photo opportunities and activities for all ages.
About the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
While the tree is up and ready to kick off the season, it has not been lit. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will happen on Wednesday, December 2, from 7 to 10 pm EST. The event is free to attend, but get there early for the best views. The ceremony will be televised on NBC so that the nation can take part in all of the merriment.
The towering spruce will feature over 50,000 multicolored LED lights decorating its branches. It takes about 5 miles of wire to string all of the twinkling lights. The crowning achievement of the tree is a 900-pound Swarovski star that sits on top. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the star features 70 spikes boasting about 3 million crystals.
The tree is visible from all over the center, including from Rockefeller Plaza or while skating at the famous rink located below. The center recommends that visitors purchase a Holiday Top of the Rock ticket, providing views of the tree from 70 floors up in addition to access to the tree at ground level.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition dates back to 1931, when construction workers put up a tree and decorated it with handmade garlands. It was just two years later that the center had its formal lighting ceremony, becoming a tradition that is synonymous with the festive season in New York City.
The tree will not be done delivering joy once the holidays are over. As is tradition, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes for the needy.
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