The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the world, drawing millions of visitors to New York City every year. But did you know this towering symbol of joy has a history as rich as its twinkling lights?
The tradition began in 1931 during the Great Depression, when workers building Rockefeller Center set up a small, 20-foot balsam fir and decorated it with handmade garlands, cranberries, and even tin cans. It was a modest but heartfelt gesture to celebrate the holidays during tough times. The first official Rockefeller tree lighting followed in 1933, and the event has grown more dazzling every year since.
The trees chosen for Rockefeller Center are no ordinary evergreens. Each year, a meticulous search is conducted across the United States to find the perfect tree, often a Norway spruce. These trees can stand over 75 feet tall and weigh up to 12 tons! Many of them are donated by homeowners who are thrilled to see their beloved tree take center stage in one of the world’s most famous plazas.
Once the tree arrives in New York, it’s decorated with tens of thousands of LED lights and crowned with a dazzling Swarovski crystal star. The star, which debuted in 2018, weighs nearly 900 pounds and is encrusted with 3 million crystals, making it a truly sparkling finale to the tree’s decor.
But the magic doesn’t stop after the holiday season. Since 2007, the tree has been repurposed for a charitable cause. After the lights come down, its wood is milled and donated to Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need—a tradition that ensures the spirit of giving lasts well beyond Christmas.
From its humble beginnings to its global fame, the Rockefeller tree is more than just a holiday decoration—it’s a beacon of hope and joy. Next time you see it, remember the history, effort, and generosity behind every branch and light.
