Is there a holiday icon greater than the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? Mr. Claus himself may think so, but we beg to differ. For over 90 years, the towering evergreen has stood tall in the heart of New York City, spreading holiday cheer and drawing thousands of visitors each year. It's become so synonymous with the Christmas season that it even plays a pivotal role in the NYC-based "Home Alone" sequel, a beloved classic Christmas movie.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The current tree only recently arrived at Rockefeller Plaza. According to NBC, this year's pine is an 80-year-old Norway spruce that stands a whopping 80 feet tall and 43 feet wide. It hails from Vestal, New York, and was chopped down on Nov. 9 before making the 200-mile trek to New York City.
While people came far and wide to witness the installation of the tree — which is always an event in itself — the party of the year is still to come. NBC will broadcast "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 29, so everyone across the globe can tune into the official tree lighting. Kelly Clarkson is both hosting this year's show and performing, marking her 20-year return to the celebration.
With all eyes on Rockefeller Plaza, we thought it would be interesting to dig up some lesser-known facts about this beloved holiday symbol. Let's just say it holds more stories than you might expect.
The First Tree Was 20 Feet Tall
Credit: Getty
The original Rockefeller Center Christmas tree wasn't the massive spectacle we know today. In fact, the first tree was a modest 20 feet tall and was decorated with handmade garland and cranberry strings by the construction workers building Rockefeller Center in 1931. They pooled their money together to buy a tree so they could lift spirits during the Great Depression.
There Was a Year When the Tree Went Unlit
Credit: Getty
Rockefeller Center employees decided to make the tree an annual tradition in 1933, but things didn't always go according to plan. Due to black-out regulations, the tree went without lights during 1944. Once the regulations were lifted after World War II ended in 1945, the tree was once again lit up for all to enjoy.
An Owl Once Hitched a Ride Within the Tree's Branches
Credit: Getty
In 2020, workers discovered a tiny northern saw-whet owl stuck inside the base of the Christmas tree. It had survived the long journey from upstate New York to the city and was released back into the wild after a few days of care. The wildlife rehabilitators named her "Rocky."
The Same Man Has Picked the Tree for Three Decades
Credit: Getty
Choosing the annual tree is a crucial task, one that's been entrusted to the same man for over 30 years. Rockefeller Center head gardener Erik Pauze is entrusted with finding the perfect tree and says he's considering tree options all year long. "Typically, the timeline is that all year, almost every day," he said in an interview with Rockefeller Center. "I'm thinking about this year's Tree, next year's Tree, and maybe the Tree after that."
Trees Are Judged Based on 'Christmas Tree Shape'
Credit: Getty
How does one determine the perfect tree for Rockefeller Center? According to Pauze, it has to have strong branches, a solid height and a "perfect shape all around."
"Most of all, it's gotta look good for those kids who turn the corner at 30 Rock; it needs to instantly put a huge smile on their faces."
There's a Height Limit
Credit: Getty
The tallest tree to ever grace Rockefeller Plaza was 100 feet tall — and that's about as tall as we'll ever see. Rockefeller Center has a height maximum of 100 feet, so don't expect a 150-foot giant anytime soon.
Over 5 miles of Lights Are Used
Credit: Getty
Imagine untangling that many lights! According to Rockefeller Center, approximately 50,000 multicolored LED bulbs are used to light up the tree each year. These energy-efficient lights shine brighter than ever without using as much electricity as traditional incandescent bulbs.
The Current Topper Weighs Over 900 Pounds
Credit: Getty
Since 2018, an enormous Swarovski crystal star has adorned the top of the tree. It is made up of over 70 triangular spikes, covered in approximately 3 million crystals, and weighs in at a staggering 900 pounds.
Leftover Lumber Is Donated to Habitat for Humanity
Credit: Getty
Rockefeller Center makes sure that all that remains of the Christmas tree goes to good use. After the tree is taken down, the lumber is milled and sent to Habitat for Humanity as donations for those in need of homes. So far, 15 homes have been built from the leftover lumber.
You Can Submit a Potential Tree for Consideration
Credit: Getty
Think your backyard spruce has what it takes to shine in Rockefeller Plaza? You can submit it for donation by simply filling out this form. Who knows? Maybe next year, your tree will be the star of the show.
