The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a New York City holiday tradition. It arrives in mid-November, is lit the week after Thanksgiving, and remains until the first week of January.
In a way, the tree represents the spirit of New York City. The tradition began during a hard time, the Great Depression of the 1930s. It was started by workers, by the people. It was their tree. In good times and bad, the tree keeps going up. Today it is “our” tree. Whether times are good or times are bad, New Yorkers carry on.
91st Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2023
The 91st Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2023 will be lit live in Rockefeller Center and on NBC-4 on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 8pm. rockefellercenter.com 🎄
The Tradition was started by Construction Workers in 1931
Over 100 million New Yorkers and tourists will visit the famous tree. The tradition began while Rockefeller Center was being built.
1931 was the height of the Great Depression. Construction workers put up a 20-foot tree. A few chipped in to pay for decorations.
The tradition became official in 1933 when NBC broadcast the tree lighting ceremony.
When the tree comes down, it is taken to New Jersey, sawed, dried, and made into beams. The wood is then used in Habitat for Humanity houses.