The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting has become one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the United States, symbolizing the magic and togetherness of the season.
Each year, millions of people tune in or gather in New York City to watch as a towering evergreen comes to life with sparkling lights.
But the tradition’s history is as rich and inspiring as the holiday season itself.
Humble beginnings during the Great Depression
The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was raised in 1931 by construction workers building the iconic complex.
At the height of the Great Depression, the workers pooled their money to purchase a 20-foot balsam fir, decorating it with handmade garlands of paper, tin cans and even cranberry strings.
It was a modest but heartfelt gesture, offering hope during one of the darkest periods in American history.
The official tree-lighting tradition began two years later, in 1933, when Rockefeller Center opened to the public.
That year, a 50-foot tree was erected, complete with electric lights.
This marked the first formal celebration, laying the foundation for what would become an annual event beloved worldwide.
Milestones and memorable moments
Over the decades, the Rockefeller Center tree has grown in size, spectacle and significance. Some of the most notable milestones include:
- 1941: Just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the tree featured patriotic decorations, including red, white and blue ribbons, as a symbol of unity during a tumultuous time.
- 1951: The tree lighting was televised nationally for the first time on NBC’s “The Kate Smith Show,” bringing the tradition to living rooms across America.
- 1980: A Norway spruce became the permanent choice for the Rockefeller Center tree, valued for its strength and classic Christmas-tree shape.
- 2001: Following the Sept. 11 attacks, the tree was decorated with red, white and blue lights as a tribute to the resilience of New York City and the nation.
- 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lighting ceremony was held without the usual crowds, symbolizing hope and perseverance during a challenging year.
Selecting the tree
Each year, the search for the perfect tree is an event in itself.
The chosen tree is typically a Norway spruce, standing 70 to 100 feet tall and hailing from the Northeastern United States.
Rockefeller Center’s head gardener scouts potential trees year-round, looking for ones with a full, symmetrical shape and healthy branches.
Once selected, the tree is carefully transported to New York City on a flatbed truck or, in some cases, by helicopter.
It is then adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski crystal star, which weighs over 900 pounds and sparkles with three million crystals.
What happens to the tree after the holidays?
While the tree dazzles visitors throughout the holiday season, its story doesn’t end when the lights go out.
Since 2007, the wood from the Rockefeller Center tree has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it is repurposed to build homes for families in need.
This gesture honors the tree’s origins as a symbol of hope and giving during the Great Depression.
Why it matters
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting has grown from a humble act of kindness to an internationally recognized celebration.
It brings people together, both in person and through televised broadcasts, to kick off the holiday season with joy and unity. The tree serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hope, generosity and tradition.
As the tree lights up each year, it connects generations, inspires memories and embodies the magic of Christmas in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.
Over the years, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony has featured numerous notable musical performances and celebrity appearances, adding to the magic and excitement of this iconic event. Some of the most memorable moments include:
Notable musical performances:
- Tony Bennett (2005): The legendary crooner performed “The Christmas Song” as part of the celebration, adding a classic touch to the event.
- Bing Crosby (1977): Although not performing live, Crosby’s pre-recorded appearance in a special Christmas segment helped solidify the tree lighting as a must-see event.
- Patti LaBelle (2004): The R&B icon brought her powerful voice to the stage with a rendition of “This Christmas.”
- Andrea Bocelli (2009): The renowned tenor brought his operatic flair to the stage, performing “The Prayer” with Katharine McPhee.
- Celine Dion (1998): Dion performed “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” mesmerizing the crowd with her powerful vocals.
- Mariah Carey (2018): The queen of Christmas graced the stage with a show-stopping performance of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
- John Legend (2018): Legend performed “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” adding a soulful touch to the evening.
- Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters (1941): This notable performance, broadcasted over the radio, became a cornerstone of Christmas music history.
- Lady Gaga (2009): Gaga made a memorable appearance to help light the tree and performed “Poker Face” in her unique style.
- Barbra Streisand (1993): The celebrated singer and actress appeared at the tree lighting ceremony, contributing her iconic voice to the occasion.
- Taylor Swift (2007): Swift was part of the tree lighting event early in her career, performing her song “White Christmas” alongside other artists.
- Justin Bieber (2011): The pop sensation performed at the ceremony, bringing his youthful energy to the holiday celebration.
- Diana Ross (2001): The legendary singer appeared and performed “Christmas in the City,” making it a special moment for her fans.
- Norah Jones (2004): Jones performed “Silent Night,” bringing a peaceful, soulful vibe to the festive occasion.
- Reba McEntire (2003): The country music superstar performed “Up on the Housetop,” adding her distinctive style to the holiday cheer.
- Whoopi Goldberg (2005): As a guest host for the event, Goldberg brought her comedic presence, adding humor and charm to the tree lighting broadcast.
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