Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City

Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has become one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions, drawing millions of visitors each year. What began as a modest gesture by construction workers during the Great Depression, who pooled their money to buy a small tree for the site, has grown into an international symbol of hope, celebration, and community spirit. Today, the annual tree lighting marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Manhattan, transforming Midtown into a spectacle of lights, music, and festive energy.

The tree itself is typically a towering Norway spruce, selected months in advance for its size, symmetry, and overall majesty. Once chosen, it’s transported with great fanfare to Rockefeller Plaza, where workers carefully secure it and adorn it with miles of lights and shimmering decorations. The crowning touch is the iconic star at its peak, an illuminated masterpiece that casts a brilliant glow across the plaza.

Visiting the tree is more than just a quick stop for a photo. The surrounding area comes alive with ice skaters gliding beneath the lights, storefront windows dressed in elaborate displays, and holiday music echoing between the skyscrapers. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike pause to embrace the season’s warmth, even on the chilliest winter nights.

Whether you’re there to admire its scale, soak in the holiday charm, or simply join a cherished NYC tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree offers a moment of wonder that captures the very heart of the holidays.

Eaton's Christmas Catalogue 1958

A few pages from a vintage Eaton's Christmas Catalogue from 1958.

 

One World Observatory at One World Trade Center

One World Observatory sits at the summit of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and offers a sweeping, unforgettable view of New York City and beyond. Rising 1,776 feet above Lower Manhattan, the observatory is both a feat of modern engineering and a deeply symbolic destination, blending breathtaking panoramas with moments of reflection and storytelling.

The experience begins well before visitors reach the top. After entering One World Trade Center, guests are guided through a series of immersive exhibits that trace the transformation of New York from its earliest days to the skyline-defining metropolis it is today. The ascent itself is a highlight: high-speed elevators carry visitors more than 100 stories in under a minute, with floor-to-ceiling screens showing a time-lapse journey through centuries of city growth. As the doors open on the 100th floor, the reveal of the skyline feels almost theatrical.

From the observation levels, the views are extraordinary in every direction. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 50 miles, taking in all five boroughs, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the rivers that frame the city. The observatory’s design emphasizes openness, with expansive glass walls that make it feel as though the city is unfolding beneath your feet. Whether visiting during the golden light of late afternoon, at sunset, or after dark when the city glows with countless lights, the perspective is equally captivating.

One World Observatory also distinguishes itself through its use of technology and guided interpretation. Interactive touchscreens and digital displays help identify landmarks and neighborhoods, offering historical context and interesting details that deepen the experience. The Sky Portal, a circular glass disc set into the floor, provides a real-time, high-definition view of the streets below, creating the thrilling illusion of standing directly above the city.

Beyond its visual impact, One World Observatory carries emotional significance. Located at the site of the former World Trade Center, it stands as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and hope. The observatory does not shy away from this history, instead acknowledging it with quiet respect and thoughtful design choices that encourage reflection alongside wonder.