Sunday, November 10, 2024 The Rockefeller Center’s famous Christmas tree, a magnificent 74-foot Norway spruce, has arrived in New York City, heralding the start of the holiday season. This year’s tree was carefully transported 144 miles from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to take its place at the heart of Rockefeller Plaza. Set to be adorned with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights, the tree will illuminate the Plaza with festive cheer and draw millions of visitors from around the world.
The Rockefeller Center website describes the annual tree display as a beloved tradition dating back to 1931, when workers first erected a small tree to celebrate the holidays. Over the decades, the event has grown, and today, the official tree lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event, broadcast nationwide. According to the Center’s official announcement, the lighting ceremony will be held on December 4, and once lit, the tree will shine brightly until January 13, 2025, adding to the holiday magic of Manhattan.
The 12-ton spruce was raised into position with the help of a crane, ready for the final touches that include decorations and the iconic Swarovski star topper. The tree lighting ceremony, a hallmark of New York City’s holiday celebrations, is expected to feature live performances, as noted on the event’s official page. For locals and tourists alike, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is a centerpiece of New York’s holiday attractions, offering free public viewing and su.