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The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024

The highly anticipated Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is set to take place this Wednesday, December 4, marking the official start of the holiday season in Manhattan.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center

This year’s magnificent Norway spruce, standing 74 feet tall and 43 feet wide, will dazzle the city with 50,000 multi-colored LED lights in an annual celebration that has become a symbol of Christmas in New York.

 

Kelly Clarkson will return as the host of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” promising “the best music, star-studded surprises, and, of course, the lighting of the world-famous Christmas tree.” Whether attending in person or watching from home, this cherished event is a must-see for holiday enthusiasts.

 

How and Where to Watch the Tree Lighting


For those in New York City, the event will take place at Rockefeller Plaza, located between 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. While the area around Rockefeller Center is open to the public, visitors can purchase tickets for professional photos with the tree in the background or opt for VIP tickets for closer access. If you’d rather stay warm at home, the lighting ceremony will be broadcast live as part of the “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” show on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET.

The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center

Musical Performances and Featured Artists

In addition to hosting alongside TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, Kelly Clarkson will also perform on stage. The evening will feature performances by the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, country duo Dan + Shay, Broadway star Megan Hilty, and Thalía, the Queen of Latin Pop. And no Rockefeller celebration would be complete without the Radio City Rockettes, whose iconic high kicks and festive routines will bring plenty of Christmas cheer.

The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center

Tree Lighting Schedule and Duration


The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Eve, it will shine for a full 24 hours, while on New Year’s Eve, it will be illuminated from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the display until mid-January 2025, after which the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity.

 

History and Symbolism of the Rockefeller Tree

The tradition began in December 1931 when workers at Rockefeller Center decorated a 20-foot balsam fir with their families. The first official lighting occurred in 1933, becoming an annual event ever since. In 1936, two trees were displayed, coinciding with the opening of the Plaza’s ice-skating rink.

 

By the 1950s and 1960s, the tree grew larger and more elaborate, requiring additional staff for decoration. The tallest tree in Rockefeller Center history was displayed in 1999, measuring 100 feet and hailing from Killingworth, Connecticut.

 

In 2004, a Swarovski crystal star debuted atop the tree, with a 900-pound, three-dimensional version adorning this year’s spruce.

The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center

What Makes the 2024 Tree Special?


This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, weighing around 11 tons and approximately 70 years old, was donated by Earl Albert from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Earl and his late wife, Leslie, planted the tree in 1967, and he decided to offer it in her memory.

 

The selection process began in 2020 when Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, noticed the tree while driving. After meeting Albert and proposing the idea, Albert instantly agreed. Pauze meticulously cared for the tree, regularly visiting to water and feed it.

 

After its arrival at Rockefeller Plaza on November 9, the Albert family revealed in a November 13 statement that Earl had suffered a stroke but was determined to attend the lighting ceremony, which stands as both a personal tribute and a global symbol of the holiday season.

The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center
The emotional story behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2024 / Photo via Rockefeller Center

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