1. It’s giant
This year’s Norway Spruce reaches 74 feet tall and stretches 43 feet wide. This year’s tree weighs about 11 tons – that’s equivalent to 22 grand pianos or approximately two woolly mammoots. Believe it or not, that’s not even the tallest tree in Rockefeller Center history. In 1999, a tree from Connecticut measured in at 100 feet tall!
2. It’s typically quite old
Given the fact that the Rockefeller Center tree is so big, it’s no surprise that these trees have had long lives. Last year’s tree, for example, was around 80 years old.
3. It’s local
This year’s tree hails from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It’s the first time since 1959 that the tree hails from Massachusetts. Each year, Rockefeller Center’s chief gardener Erik Pauze scouts the perfect tree, then cares for it to make sure it’s ready for the big day.
4. It’s glam
More than 50,000 multi-colored LEDs wrap around and around the tree. That equals approximately 5 miles of wire – and a lot of work to string the lights.
5. It knows the power of a good accessory
The star atop the tree absolutely dazzles. Architect Daniel Libeskind designed the star in 2018. This three-dimensional Swarovski stunner weighs about 900 pounds and features 70 spikes covered in 3 million crystals.
6. It helps even after the holiday season
After inspiring joy during the holiday season, the tree is recycled. It’s donated to Habitat for Humanity, where the lumber is used to build homes for those in need. The wood is used for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry, helping to build Habitat homes from New York to Mississippi.
7. It’s green – literally
The 50,000 lights that wrap around the tree are energy-efficient LEDs, which draw a fraction of the power of more traditional bulbs and allow for brighter colors.
8. It’s got a long history
The Rockefeller Center tree tradition dates back almost a century. In 1931, construction workers building Rockefeller Center put up a Christmas tree, and the tradition began. Two years later in 1933, the first formal Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony was held; that tree sported 700 lights.
9. It once housed a tiny owl
After the tree arrived in 2020, staff were surprised to find a tiny stowaway tucked in its branches: A saw-whet owl they named Rocky (short for Rockefeller). The bird was thirsty and hungry (and probably terrified) after the journey, but she thrived with care from wildlife rescuers and was able to be released back into the wild.
10. It welcomes all to visit
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If you want to beat the crowds, though, there are plenty of other days to see the tree. After the official ceremony, it will be lit daily from 5am-midnight until mid-January. On Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5am to 9pm.
Conclusion
The Rockefeller Center tree is a beloved tradition that brings joy and magic to millions of people each year. With its impressive size, long history, and dedication to helping those in need, it’s no wonder it’s a must-see attraction during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Rockefeller Center tree located?
A: The Rockefeller Center tree is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.
Q: When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony?
A: The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Q: How long is the Rockefeller Center tree?
A: This year’s tree is 74 feet tall and 43 feet wide.
Q: Where does the Rockefeller Center tree come from?
A: This year’s tree hails from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
