The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A Tradition of Holiday Magic
As the holiday season approaches, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York City returns to Rockefeller Center—the world-famous Christmas tree. This year, the tree will come from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, making it the first time in 65 years that a tree from the Bay State will grace the plaza. The 2024 tree will be a magnificent Norway Spruce, standing tall at 79 feet, with a history all its own. But this tree is more than just a holiday decoration; it’s part of a long-standing tradition that has brought joy to millions of people around the world.
A Special Tree for 2024
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be cut down on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in West Stockbridge, located in the Southern Berkshires. Once felled, it will be carefully transported to Rockefeller Plaza, arriving on Saturday, November 9. This year’s tree will be particularly special, as it marks the first time in more than six decades that a tree has come from Massachusetts. The state’s rich history of tree-growing in the Berkshire region adds an extra layer of charm to this year’s celebration.
In addition, this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a majestic 74-foot Norway spruce, carries a deeply personal story of love and remembrance. The tree was donated by Earl Albert, a widower from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in honor of his late wife, Leslie. The couple planted the tree together in 1967 when they were newlyweds, nurturing it over the decades as it grew into a towering symbol of their enduring bond.
In 2020, shortly after Leslie's passing, Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, discovered the tree and approached Earl about donating it for the annual Christmas display. Earl agreed, seeing it as a fitting tribute to Leslie, who had a deep love for the holiday season.
Tragically, just weeks before the scheduled tree lighting ceremony on December 4, 2024, Earl suffered a stroke. He is currently recovering in an Albany, New York hospital, determined to attend the event that holds such personal significance.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a cherished tradition, and this year's event is imbued with the Alberts' touching story of love, loss, and legacy. The tree, adorned with 50,000 multi-colored lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star, stands as a luminous testament to the couple's shared life and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.
As always, the tree will be the centerpiece of the annual tree lighting ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The lighting ceremony will be part of the live broadcast event “Christmas at Rockefeller Center,” a beloved holiday tradition that draws in millions of viewers both in person and via television.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of New York City's most eagerly awaited holiday events. This spectacular celebration marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the city and features musical performances, special guests, and of course, the dazzling moment when the tree is illuminated for the first time. The 2024 tree will be lit daily from 5 AM to midnight, bringing a warm glow to the heart of Manhattan. On Christmas Eve, the tree will shine for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5 AM to 9 PM. The tree will remain on display through mid-January, ensuring that visitors have plenty of time to see it during their holiday travels.
The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dates back to 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression. Workers constructing the Rockefeller Center complex, then known as the RCA Building, set up a small tree in the plaza to brighten the somber atmosphere of the area. The following year, a larger tree was placed in the plaza, and by 1933, the first official tree lighting ceremony took place. This marked the beginning of what would become one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Over the years, the tree has grown in size and stature, with some trees reaching over 100 feet tall. The first tree, for example, stood at just 20 feet. But it wasn’t just the size of the trees that became legendary; it was the enormous Swarovski crystal star that was introduced in 2004, which now sits atop each year’s tree. The star, measuring 9.5 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 1,000 pounds, is made of 70,000 crystals and has become a symbol of the holiday spirit in New York City.
The tree has also evolved in terms of sustainability. In 2007, the Rockefeller Center tree was the first to be donated after its holiday appearance. It was given to Habitat for Humanity, where it was repurposed into lumber for building homes for those in need. This tradition of donating the tree has continued ever since, highlighting the commitment to sustainability and giving back to the community.
Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Center Tree
- Size Matters: The trees at Rockefeller Center typically range from 70 to 100 feet tall, with the average diameter of the tree being around 40 feet.
- From Norway Spruce to White Spruce: While Norway Spruce has become the most common variety used in recent years, the first few trees at Rockefeller Center were typically Blue Spruce or other evergreen species.
- The Star: The iconic star atop the tree is made of more than 70,000 Swarovski crystals and is illuminated by 3 million watts of electricity.
- A Global Attraction: Each year, more than 500,000 people come to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in person. It’s one of New York City’s most visited holiday landmarks.
- The Tree’s Journey: The journey from the tree’s original location to Rockefeller Plaza is a carefully coordinated process. Once it arrives, it’s decorated with over 50,000 LED lights, and its branches are adorned with glittering ornaments to complete the festive look.
Bringing Joy to the City
More than just a beautiful display, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree symbolizes the joy, hope, and goodwill of the holiday season. It has become a gathering place for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, a place where families can share special moments and create lasting memories. Each year, as the tree is lit, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of tradition, togetherness, and the magic of Christmas.
Whether you're planning to visit the tree in person or watching the live broadcast of the lighting ceremony from the comfort of your home, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beacon of light and holiday cheer. With its stunning beauty and storied past, it continues to be a must-see holiday tradition for all who come to New York City.
So, as we countdown to the holiday season, mark your calendars for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, and don’t miss the chance to see this year’s magnificent tree, a gift from Massachusetts that will surely become another unforgettable chapter in the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/
