When Does the New York City Christmas Tree Go Up?

Alright, New Yorkers and holiday enthusiasts, you're in for a treat! We're going to dive into the magical world of the New York City Christmas Tree, also known as the Rockefeller Center Tree. We'll talk about when this iconic symbol of the holidays goes up, its history, and some fun facts to make your holidays merrier! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and when does the new york tree go up.

The Big Question: When Does the Tree Go Up?

The Official Lighting Ceremony

The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved annual event that marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City. The tree, usually a Norway Spruce, is typically erected in mid-November and stays up until early January. But when does the lighting ceremony happen? Here's a sneak peek:

- When: The tree lighting ceremony usually takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, it's on November 30, 2022. - Time: The event begins at 7 PM, but the actual lighting happens around 9 PM. - Where: The ceremony takes place at Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues.

The Tree's Arrival

Before the lighting ceremony, the tree makes its grand entrance into the city. The process of selecting, cutting down, and transporting the tree is quite an operation. Here's a brief timeline:

1. 1. Selection: The search for the perfect tree begins months in advance. It must be a Norway Spruce, at least 70 feet tall, and in good health.
2. 2. Cutting Down: The tree is cut down by its owner, usually in early November. Then, it's carefully transported to New York City.
3. 3. Arrival: The tree arrives at Rockefeller Plaza, where it's hoisted into place by a crane. This usually happens two weeks before the lighting ceremony.

A Brief History of the Rockefeller Center Tree

The first Rockefeller Center Tree was put up in 1931, during the Great Depression. It was a small, makeshift affair, but it brought joy and hope to the people of New York. The tradition has continued ever since, growing in size and spectacle each year.

In 1933, the tree was decorated with 700 lights. Today, it's adorned with over 50,000 lights, a 900-pound Swarovski star on top, and a 70-foot-tall by 55-foot-wide geometric pattern of lights on the tree's base.

Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Center Tree

- The Tree's Journey: The tree travels from its home to Rockefeller Center on a flatbed truck, accompanied by a police escort. - The Star: The star on top of the tree is made of 25,000 crystals and is worth over $1 million. - The Tree's Fate: After the holiday season, the tree doesn't go to waste. It's usually recycled into lumber and used for park benches, birdhouses, and other projects. - The Tree's Size: The tree's width at the base is usually larger than the height of a giraffe!

So, there you have it, folks! The Rockefeller Center Tree is a true New York City icon, and its annual lighting ceremony is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars for November 30, 2022, and get ready to celebrate the holidays in style!