There’s No Christmas In New York Without It: The Tale Of The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 🎄

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is New York Staple.

In the heart of New York City, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become an iconic symbol of holiday magic and city joy. It is the Christmas centerpiece of the Big Apple. Do you know how this iconic New York staple came to be? Let us dive into the chill history of this towering evergreen, a tale that intertwines nature, tradition, and the spirit of giving.

The origin of The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition goes back to the early 1930s. In 1931, during the Great Depression, construction workers at Rockefeller Center put their funds together to buy a Christmas tree and decorate it in the courtyard of the construction site. This humble beginning sparked a tradition that would blossom into a symbol of hope and resilience and New York City Treasure.

A 20-foot balsam fir was the first official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 1933. Over the years, the tree's size grew, mirroring the grandeur of The Big Apple. Today, the chosen evergreen stands as a towering beacon of holiday delight, often reaching heights of over 70 feet.

Every year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is carefully selected from various candidates across the country. There is a ceremonial cutting, marking the beginning of its journey into the heart of Manhattan. This has become an annual ritual which is a nationwide symbol of generosity, with communities proudly offering their most majestic trees for consideration.

The official lighting ceremony, broadcasted to millions around the world, is a star-studded event. Celebrities, musicians, and festive performances surround the illumination of the tree, creating an extravagant spectacle. Chloe Bailey, Keke Palmer, David Foster, Barry Manilow and Cher are among the many who will be at this year’s tree lighting ceremony. The dazzling lights, often themed and intricately designed, transform the tree into a shimmering masterpiece. This year, the Official 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on November 29th. It will stay on display until January 13, 2024.

Have you wondered what happens to the tree? Once its holiday duties are fulfilled, the tree is milled into lumber, then donated to Habitat for Humanity. This eco-conscious approach ensures that the tree continues to contribute to the community even after its days of festive glory. Thus making the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree an example of sustainability.

Adorned with thousands of lights and topped with a radiant star, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands for more than just a festive decoration; it serves as a reminder of the warmth and light that can thrive even in the coldest of seasons.

From 1931 to now, it is a timeless example of how coming together, in the face of challenges, beautiful traditions can be created and celebrated.

If you like this post, pin it on Pinterest 📌