The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, located at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, Manhattan is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City.
The tradition for a tree at this site began in 1931, when workmen put up a Christmas tree on a muddy Rockefeller Center construction site. The first formal Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony was held in 1933, and the first national televised ceremony was in 1951 on the Kate Smith Show.
The tree, traditionally a Norway Spruce, is illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire, and crowned by a Swarovski crystal star. The Swarovski star was first placed on top of the tree in 2004, and is the largest star to ever grace the tree. It measures 9 1/2 feet in diameter and 1 1/2 feet deep, and is adorned with 25,000 crystals and one million facets.
This year's tree is a 74 tall Norway spruce donated by Peter and Stephanie Acton from their backyard in Mahopac, in Putnam County, New York. Mr. Acton is a New York City firefighter. The tallest Rockefeller Center tree was 100 feet tall, in 1999.
For me it isn't Christmas until I've seen the Rock tree and visited Saint Patrick's Cathedral which is located nearby across the street, on 5th Ave. On weekends the area is extremely crowded with visitors, so if you plan to visit NYC during the Christmas season, try to save your visit to the tree for a weekday evening.
Some daytime views of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The tree may be viewed 24 hours a day, but is the most glorious when lit. The ice skating rink is open from morning till night, but expect a line, as only 150 skaters can skate at one time. It's an incredible experience!
I thought you'd enjoy seeing a video of the sights and sounds around the tree!
Another video of the occasional blinking lights.
Directly opposite from the Rockefeller Center is the Saks Fifth Avenue Department store. Every year their windows are decorated for Christmas, and they have a wonderful light and sound show projected on the outside of their building. I took movies of the show and I'll show photos and the movie next week, and also Macy's and Lord &Taylor's wonderful holiday windows!
As Christmas quickly approaches I hope you have your shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, etc completed. I've been busy doing all this past week, enjoying every minute. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
Linking this post to Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer -- thanks Susan!
Also linking to Alpahbe Thursday over at Jenny's Matlock --the theme this week is "Christmas Blessings."--thanks Jenny!
Merry Christmas to all!
Also linking to Alpahbe Thursday over at Jenny's Matlock --the theme this week is "Christmas Blessings."--thanks Jenny!
Merry Christmas to all!
