Every year during the holiday season, the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands tall, bringing joy and laughter to the city. Friends and families all over Connecticut visit as the city lights dim and the annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting marks the arrival of the holiday season. As the lights twinkle it is clear that the Rockefeller Tree is the heart of Christmas in New York City.
Just a few days before Thanksgiving, the Christmas tree is delivered downtown at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York. On the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving, the tree is officially lit with the Mayor of New York City and other special guests.
This year’s tree lighting was held on November 29, 2023 at 8pm. This year’s tree is an 80 foot Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York, being approximately 80-85 years old. The tree was delivered on November 11, to allow enough time for it to be decorated before the lighting. For more than eight decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has stood holding at least 50,000 multicolored LED lights, and a 900 pound star, featuring 70 spikes and three million crystals. The star itself is worth one and a half million dollars.
Out of an estimate of 125 million people who visit the iconic tree every year, senior Mackenzie Posey, who has visited the tree every year says, “ I love the Christmas vibe of the city in December.”
During the tree lighting ceremony, there is an ice rink that is right below the glistening tree along with live performances, by singers and dancers, and hot chocolate nearby for a nice warm treat. The ceremony itself is broadcasted live on NBC for those who can’t attend. When it’s time for the tree to be lit, the music stops and everyone gathers around starting the countdown to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting isn’t just about looking at lights, but it’s also about helping friends and family come together to celebrate Christmas.
Freshman Jaida-Marie Frias, who has visited the christmas tree twice and is hoping to visit this year says, “My favorite part was watching all the lights,”while spending time with her family.
The tree has been around for so long, which is why it is so special and has such a big impact on Christmas traditions. The Rockefeller Christmas tree isn’t just a tree, it’s a special symbol to recognize how far we’ve come and to celebrate the season of giving as a community.
“While the lights, decorations, and stars have changed through the years, visiting the Tree remains a quintessential New York experience.” – Rockefellercenter.com
HISTORY BEHIND THE ROCKEFELLER TREE
Throughout the years since 1931, the first ever Christmas tree stood at the Rockefeller Center, symbolizing gratitude and appreciation for having jobs during The Great Depression. A handful of men living in the city, decorated the 20-foot balsam fir with homemade garlands from their family. Because of its symbol of American persistence, a publicist who was inspired by the first tree, decided to make it a yearly tradition. In the year 1999 the largest Tree in Rockefeller Center’s History traveled all the way from Killingworth, Connecticut, being 100 feet tall.
In 2001, after the September 11 attacks, the tree was again decorated in a patriotic red, white, and blue, in honor of all the lives that were lost that day. The tree has been a huge part of history, showing how far we have come and allowing people to celebrate a wonderful time of the year.
