In 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression, construction workers at Rockefeller Center erected a modest balsam fir decorated with handmade garlands. What began as a simple gesture of hope soon captured the city’s spirit, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most cherished holiday traditions.
By 1933, the first official lighting ceremony was held, establishing an annual event that has grown in scale and significance over the decades. Today, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a global symbol of holiday joy, resilience, and community.
Each year, a towering Norway spruce, typically at least 23 m tall, is carefully selected from the northeastern United States and transported to New York City. It is installed above the famous ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza, where it is transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light. The tree is adorned with 50 000 LED bulbs and crowned by a radiant Swarovski crystal star.
The modern crown, the Swarovski Star, was redesigned in 2018 by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. Standing 2.85 m tall, the illuminated topper features 70 triangular spikes encrusted with 3 million shimmering crystals, crowning the tree as both a contemporary artwork and a beacon of holiday joy.
The lighting ceremony, usually held in early December, is broadcast worldwide as Christmas in Rockefeller Center. Musical performances, live entertainment, and a dramatic countdown accompany the event, and when the lights are finally switched on, Midtown Manhattan is illuminated, heralding the official start of the festive season.
