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.
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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.
