What is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large, decorated Christmas tree that is erected annually in Rockefeller Center in New York City. The tree is typically a Norway spruce, and it is usually between 70 and 100 feet tall. The tree is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments, and it is a popular tourist attraction during the holiday season.

Over the years, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become increasingly elaborate. In 1951, the tree was decorated with 7,500 lights. In 1969, the tree was decorated with 10,000 lights. And in 1982, the tree was decorated with 25,000 lights.

Today, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world. It is a symbol of the holiday season, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-famous symbol of the holiday season. Each year, millions of people visit Rockefeller Center to see the tree, which is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. The tree is a Norway spruce, and it is typically between 70 and 100 feet tall.

Iconic
Holiday Symbol
New York City
Norway Spruce
Ornaments
Lights
Rockefeller Center
Tourist Attraction

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a tradition since 1931. The first tree was a 20-foot balsam fir that was donated by a local nursery. The tree was decorated with 1,000 lights, and it was placed in the center of Rockefeller Plaza. Over the years, the tree has become increasingly elaborate, and it is now one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year.

1. Iconic

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic symbol of the holiday season. It is one of the most famous and recognizable Christmas trees in the world, and it is a must-see for tourists visiting New York City.

Cultural Significance
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a tradition since 1931, and it has become an integral part of the holiday season for many people around the world. The tree is a symbol of hope, joy, and community, and it brings people together during the holiday season.
Global Recognition
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is known all over the world. It is featured in movies, TV shows, and magazines, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe. The tree is a symbol of New York City, and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Symbol of the Holiday Season
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season. It is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year. The tree is a reminder of the magic of the holiday season, and it helps to create a sense of wonder and excitement.
Inspiring
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an inspiring symbol. It is a reminder of the importance of hope, joy, and community, and it is a source of inspiration for people all over the world. The tree is a reminder that anything is possible, and it inspires people to dream big and to strive for their goals.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic symbol of the holiday season. It is a symbol of hope, joy, community, and inspiration. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year.

2. Holiday Symbol

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a holiday symbol that has come to represent the holiday season for many people around the world. The tree is a symbol of hope, joy, and community, and it brings people together during the holiday season.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a tradition since 1931, and it has become an integral part of the holiday season for many people around the world. The tree is a symbol of hope, joy, and community, and it brings people together during the holiday season.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year. The tree is a reminder of the magic of the holiday season, and it helps to create a sense of wonder and excitement.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a powerful symbol of the holiday season. It is a reminder of the importance of hope, joy, and community, and it is a source of inspiration for people all over the world.

3. New York City

New York City is the heart of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition. The tree has been a fixture in Rockefeller Center since 1931, and it has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season in New York City and around the world.

Location and History
Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is erected in Rockefeller Plaza, which is the centerpiece of the complex. The tree is typically lit in late November or early December, and it remains on display until early January.
Symbol of the Holiday Season
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season in New York City. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year. The tree is also a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Economic Impact
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has a significant economic impact on New York City. The tree attracts millions of tourists each year, and it helps to support local businesses. The tree also generates revenue for Rockefeller Center, which is used to maintain the complex and to support its programs.
Cultural Significance
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a cultural icon. The tree has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and songs. The tree is also a popular subject of photography and artwork.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beloved tradition that is enjoyed by millions of people each year. The tree is a symbol of the holiday season, and it is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community.

4. Norway Spruce

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a species of spruce native to Norway, and it is the most common type of tree used for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Norway spruces are known for their strong branches, which can support the weight of the tree's decorations, and their dense foliage, which provides a lush, full appearance.

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was a Norway spruce, and the tradition of using Norway spruces has continued ever since. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world, and it is seen by millions of people each year. The use of Norway spruces for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has helped to popularize the species, and it is now one of the most popular types of Christmas trees in the United States.

Norway spruces are a beautiful and majestic tree, and they are a perfect choice for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The trees are strong and durable, and they can withstand the weight of the tree's decorations. The trees are also dense and full, which gives them a lush, festive appearance.

5. Ornaments

Ornaments are an essential part of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. They add color, sparkle, and personality to the tree, and they help to create a festive and inviting atmosphere. The ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are carefully selected each year, and they often reflect the theme of the tree.

Variety of Ornaments
The ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. There are traditional ornaments, such as balls, bells, and stars, as well as more unique ornaments, such as figurines, animals, and even food.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, wood, and plastic. Many of the ornaments are handcrafted by skilled artisans, and they are often works of art in their own right.
Symbolic Meaning
Many of the ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree have symbolic meaning. For example, the doves represent peace, the angels represent hope, and the stars represent faith. The ornaments on the tree also often reflect the theme of the tree. For example, in 2019, the tree was decorated with ornaments that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Cultural Significance
The ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are a reflection of American culture and values. The ornaments represent the diversity of the American people, and they celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.

The ornaments on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are more than just decorations. They are a symbol of the holiday season, and they represent the hopes and dreams of the American people.

6. Lights

Lights are an essential part of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. They add sparkle, glamour, and a sense of magic to the tree, and they help to create a festive and inviting atmosphere. The lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are carefully selected each year, and they often reflect the theme of the tree.

Number of Lights
The number of lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has varied over the years, but it is typically between 25,000 and 50,000 lights. The lights are arranged in a variety of patterns, and they are often synchronized to music.
Colors of Lights
The colors of the lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are typically traditional Christmas colors, such as red, green, and white. However, the colors of the lights have also been known to vary depending on the theme of the tree. For example, in 2019, the tree was decorated with blue and white lights to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Types of Lights
The lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are typically LED lights. LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, and they produce a bright, even light. LED lights are also more environmentally friendly than traditional incandescent lights.
Lighting Ceremony
The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a major event in New York City. The lighting ceremony is typically held in late November or early December, and it is attended by thousands of people. The lighting ceremony is broadcast live on television, and it is watched by millions of people around the world.

The lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are more than just decorations. They are a symbol of the holiday season, and they represent the hopes and dreams of the American people.

7. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a large commercial complex in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is the location of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world. The tree is erected annually in Rockefeller Plaza, the centerpiece of the complex, and is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season in New York City. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year. The tree is also a popular tourist destination, and it is estimated that over 6 million people visit the tree each year.

8. Tourist Attraction

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Each year, millions of people visit Rockefeller Center to see the tree, which is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. The tree is a symbol of the holiday season, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Cultural Significance
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a cultural icon. The tree has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and songs. The tree is also a popular subject of photography and artwork.
Economic Impact
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has a significant economic impact on New York City. The tree attracts millions of tourists each year, and it helps to support local businesses. The tree also generates revenue for Rockefeller Center, which is used to maintain the complex and to support its programs.
Historical Significance
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has a long and storied history. The first tree was erected in 1931, and the tradition has continued ever since. The tree has been a witness to many historical events, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the September 11th attacks.
Symbol of the Holiday Season
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is more than just a tourist attraction. The tree is a cultural icon, a source of economic impact, and a symbol of the holiday season. The tree is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and community, and it is a source of joy for millions of people each year.

FAQs on Rockefeller Christmas Tree

In this section, we present answers to frequently asked questions related to the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Question 1: What is the history behind the Rockefeller Christmas Tree?

Answer: The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree began in 1931, during the Great Depression. Workers who were building Rockefeller Center decided to erect a Christmas tree to boost morale. The first tree was a 20-foot balsam fir that was decorated with 1,000 lights. Over the years, the tree has grown in size and grandeur, and it has become a beloved symbol of the holiday season.

Question 2: How is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree selected?

Answer: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is selected by a team of experts from Rockefeller Center and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The team looks for a Norway spruce that is between 70 and 100 feet tall and has a symmetrical shape. The tree must also be able to withstand the weight of the decorations and the strong winds that are common in New York City.

Question 3: How is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree decorated?

Answer: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. The lights are typically arranged in a variety of patterns, and the ornaments are often selected to reflect a particular theme. In recent years, the tree has been decorated with ornaments that celebrate the history of New York City, the holiday season, and the spirit of giving.

Question 4: When is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lit?

Answer: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is typically lit during a special ceremony held in late November or early December. The lighting ceremony is a major event in New York City, and it is attended by thousands of people. The tree remains lit until early January.

Question 5: What happens to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree after the holiday season?

Answer: After the holiday season, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity uses the wood from the tree to build homes for families in need.

We hope these answers have provided you with a better understanding of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

Transition to the next article section: History of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Conclusion

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a cherished symbol of the holiday season. It has brought joy, hope, and unity to people around the world for decades. As the tree continues to stand tall in Rockefeller Center, it serves as a reminder of the importance of tradition, community, and the spirit of giving.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is more than just a tree. It is a symbol of the holiday season, a beacon of hope, and a source of joy for millions. May the tree continue to shine brightly for many years to come, spreading its message of peace, love, and hope to the world.