Every year, as the holiday season approaches, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York City emerges in the heart of Midtown Manhattan: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This towering Norway spruce, draped in thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a dazzling star, has become not just a beacon of holiday cheer, but also a symbol of the city’s resilience, history, and cultural significance. Here’s a deep dive into the history, tradition, and impact of this beloved urban landmark.
Origins and Early History
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree began during the Great Depression in 1931. At the time, construction workers who were building the Rockefeller Center complex decided to bring some holiday spirit to their work site. They pooled their resources to buy a 20-foot balsam fir, which they decorated with simple ornaments like garlands, cranberries, and tin cans. This modest act of holiday cheer marked the beginning of what would become one of the world’s most famous Christmas traditions.
By 1933, the first official tree lighting ceremony took place, with the tree standing 50 feet tall and adorned with 700 lights, a significant upgrade from the original. This event was organized by a publicist for Rockefeller Center, signaling the transformation of the tree into a public spectacle. Over the years, the tree has grown in both size and significance, reflecting the evolving spirit of New York City.
Selection and Journey
The process of selecting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is meticulous. Erik Pauze, the head gardener for Rockefeller Center, has been the primary scout for the tree since taking over from David Murbach, who passed away in 2009. Pauze looks for trees in the tri-state area, often in backyards or on private properties, that meet specific criteria: they must be hearty, have a full, symmetrical shape, and be capable of supporting the heavy ornaments and lights.
Once selected, the tree is cut down, usually in mid-November, and begins its journey to New York City. This journey has sometimes involved creative transportation methods, like floating a tree down the Hudson River on a barge or, in one memorable instance in 1998, flying it in on the world’s largest transport plane from Ohio. The tree’s arrival in the city is a spectacle in itself, with crowds gathering to watch the giant spruce being hoisted by a crane into place at Rockefeller Plaza.
The Lighting Ceremony
The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an event that captures the attention of millions. Since 1997, NBC has broadcast the ceremony live, featuring performances by renowned musicians, appearances by celebrities, and, of course, the moment when the tree is illuminated. The 2024 tree, a 74-foot Norway spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, was lit on December 4, with performances by artists like Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, and Thalia. This ceremony not only signals the start of the holiday season but also serves as a communal gathering point for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Cultural Impact and Symbolism
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has transcended its physical presence to become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the holiday spirit. It has been a backdrop for countless proposals, family photographs, and personal celebrations. After the September 11 attacks, the tree was decorated in red, white, and blue to honor those lost, showing its role as a unifying symbol during times of national grief.
Moreover, the tree represents a blend of tradition with modern sustainability efforts. Since 2007, the tree has been adorned with energy-efficient LED lights, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. After the holiday season, the tree is milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it’s used to construct homes, giving new life to this symbol of festivity.
The Tree Through the Years
Over the decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has seen many changes:
Height and Size: The tallest tree was in 1999, measuring 100 feet, while the smallest was the inaugural 20-foot tree in 1931.
Ornaments and Lights: Initially lit with simple incandescent bulbs, the tree now uses over 50,000 LED lights and is topped with a spectacular Swarovski star, introduced in 2004, with the latest design from 2018 featuring more than 3 million crystals.
Cultural Milestones: From the introduction of the ice rink in 1936 to the tree being painted silver in 1949 (an attempt to mimic snow), each year brings new stories and changes.
Visiting the Tree
Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a quintessential New York experience. It’s lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with special extended hours on Christmas Eve. The tree stands at Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th Streets, offering a spectacular view from all angles, including from the famous ice rink below.
Surrounding the tree, you can find numerous holiday activities, from shopping at the nearby stores like the LEGO Store and Nintendo NY to dining at seasonal pop-ups or enjoying the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The area becomes a veritable winter village, encapsulating the magic of Christmas in New York.
The Tree’s Legacy
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree isn’t just about the holiday season; it’s about the legacy of community, tradition, and the spirit of giving. It’s seen through the eyes of children who visit with wonder, through the lens of tourists capturing memories, and through the hearts of New Yorkers who see it as an emblem of their city’s enduring spirit.
As we look back on over eight decades of this tradition, the tree stands as more than a festive decoration; it’s a narrative of New York’s history, a testament to its cultural richness, and a symbol of unity in a city known for its diversity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, standing before the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, you’re part of a story that has been told and retold with every light that twinkles.
In essence, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is not just a tree but a living piece of New York’s heart, glowing with the warmth of holiday spirit, year after year.