The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A Timeless Holiday Tradition

Every holiday season, millions of people around the world look forward to seeing one of the most famous Christmas trees on the planet: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City. Towering above the bustling plaza at 30 Rockefeller Center, this majestic evergreen has become an enduring symbol of Christmas spirit, tradition, and togetherness.

While BCTree.farm specializes in bringing fresh, high-quality evergreens to families and communities here in Northeast Florida, the story behind the Rockefeller Center tree offers a beautiful look at how one tree can become the centerpiece of a shared holiday experience.

The Tree Itself: Why Norway Spruce?

The tree chosen for Rockefeller Center each year is almost always a Norway spruce — a species known for its classic Christmas tree shape, strength, and impressive height.

Why it’s a favorite for this tradition:

• Beautiful Shape: Norway spruces naturally grow in a symmetrical, pyramid-like shape that looks picture-perfect when lit.

• Strong Branches: Their sturdy limbs can hold thousands of ornaments, lights, and even the famous Swarovski star topper.

• Size & Presence: The Rockefeller Center tree typically ranges between 70 and 100 feet tall, making it a breathtaking sight in Midtown Manhattan.

Though most families don’t need a tree quite that big, Norway spruces and similar evergreens embody the qualities people love in a Christmas tree: fragrance, fullness, and festive charm.

🕯️ A Tradition That Began in Hard Times

The Rockefeller Center tree tradition began in 1931, during the Great Depression. Construction workers building Rockefeller Center set up a modest Christmas tree on the site to bring some light and hope to their lives during tough times.

Two years later, in 1933, Rockefeller Center held its first official tree lighting ceremony — a moment that would grow into a national holiday event. What started as a simple gesture has become one of the most watched and celebrated Christmas traditions in the country.

The Lighting Ceremony: A Symbol of the Season

Every year, the chosen tree is transported to New York City from somewhere in the Northeast — often from New York, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut. After it arrives at Rockefeller Plaza, it’s decorated with:

• More than 50,000 multicolored LED lights

• A dazzling Swarovski crystal star, weighing around 900 pounds

• Miles of wire and carefully placed ornaments

The tree lighting ceremony, held in early December, is broadcast to millions of viewers. Families gather in person and at home to watch the moment the tree comes to life — a signal to many that the holiday season has officially begun.

A Tree That Gives Back

One of the most meaningful parts of this tradition happens after the holidays. When the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes down in January, it’s milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it’s used to build homes for families in need.

This act of generosity reflects the deeper spirit of Christmas: giving back, creating community, and turning something beautiful into something lasting.

How the Tree Is Chosen

Selecting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a year-round mission. Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, travels across the East Coast to scout for the perfect tree.

He looks for a tree that:

• Has a classic, full Christmas shape

• Can handle heavy decorations and lighting

• Stands tall and healthy

Once selected, the tree is carefully nurtured before being cut, transported to New York, and installed in Rockefeller Plaza.

What It Teaches Us About the Power of a Tree

While most holiday trees won’t end up in front of millions of people, the Rockefeller Center tree reminds us that a Christmas tree is more than decoration. It’s a symbol of shared celebration, a centerpiece for gathering with loved ones, and — at its best — a way to give back.

At BCTree.farm, we share in that tradition by providing high-quality, fresh-cut trees, handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and holiday décor that help families create their own meaningful memories. Whether your tree stands 6 feet tall in your living room or 75 feet tall in Rockefeller Plaza, it has the power to bring warmth, joy, and light into the season.

Bring the Tradition Home

You don’t have to travel to New York to experience the magic of a Christmas tree tradition. With the right tree, your home can become the heart of the season.

BCTree.farm typically offers a beautiful selection of Fraser, Noble, and Douglas firs, each chosen for quality, fragrance, and lasting beauty — just like the trees that inspire the Rockefeller Center tradition.

Visit our Jacksonville Beach tree lot this holiday season or preorder your tree at BCTree.farm to bring the spirit of Christmas home.