New Yorkers and tourists alike have been flocking to Rockefeller Center during the holiday season to marvel at what is now one of the world’s most iconic Christmas trees for 90+ years–the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up by construction workers in 1931!
And though this year’s Norway Spruce stands a staggering 74 feet tall (and weighs a whopping 11 tons) it’s not even the tallest one!
Rockefeller Center’s tallest ever Christmas tree stood 100 feet tall in 1999–the same height as nine subway cars stacked on top of each other! The tree certainly fulfilled Rockefeller Center’s height requirements, which is between 80 and 100 feet tall, though we’re not entirely sure how bright it was–the iconic Swarovski-crystal star that tops the tree each year didn’t appear until 2004, and the LED lights we see today weren’t introduced until 2007.
Whether it was or wasn’t decked out in thousands of lights, though, we’re sure the tree still did a fabulous job spreading holiday cheer!
As for how bright this year’s tree will shine, you’ll be able to see for yourself after the annual lighting which takes place tonight, Wednesday, December 4th–you can learn more about this here. The tree will be lit up and on display until mid-January 2025.
And, while you’re in the area be sure to make a dent in your holiday shopping at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Hell, make a whole night of it and enjoy a meal at a restaurant in the area as well!