NYC - Rockefeller Christmas and Tree - New York City

Where else on earth will thousands and thousands gather for the lighting a single tree? NYC's Rockefeller Center, that's where! Join in this fantastic event which is televised nationwide and perhaps even across the seas. Entertainment, Singing, and yes, our Mayor too! The tallest tree so far was the 100-foot Norway Spruce from Killingworth, Conn. in 1948. Maybe this year's will be taller? Over 25,000 lightbulbs are used to light the tree. Amazing huh? They span a distance of over 5 miles.

The event which is televised nationwide and has local Television Stars amongst others. The Mayor himself would often take part in this yearly tradition.

Aaaaaah! The grand Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. The tree-lighting celebration began humbly in 1931. Depression-era workmen building Rockefeller Center placed a small, unadorned evergreen on the muddy site to lift their Christmas spirits. Two years later, another tree was erected, this time decked out in 700 lights. Today well over 25,000 lights adorn the tree!

I read some place how Rockefeller Center is considered as America's Unofficial Christmas Capital. Funny thing is, I can't think of a better way to describe what this spot is during the latter part of the year!

It's here within that the great six story tree goes up as skaters glide along down below. It's within this area that ornaments the size of small automobiles are placed just outside of buildings and well, there's a spot or two where you'll catch one hanging just above the streets. Literally! It's within this part of town and elsewhere that you'll see the city come alive at night with magnificent displays of yuletide greetings! 'not that the city ever slept at all.

So come hither and rejoice in what's to be found here. The tree which is usually a Spruce and guaranteed to be older than your average grandpa can be found just above Rockefeller's skating rink. As beautiful during the day time as it is at night! So bring your cameras one and all. Check out those department store decorations, gander at the corner Santas collecting money for charity and join hands in what 2004 yours truly believes will be the Christmas to end all Christmases. Okay, ok, so I'm exaggerating and said the same last year! Sue me! hehe. Go forth and be merry! I SAID BE MERRY DARN IT! ~hehehehehe~

Also visit New Yorkled's 2001 Christmas Photos Page.

Ok, boys and girls, can you say Perky? uhuh, I said PERKY! That's how I felt about our newest tree erected at Rockefeller Center today on November 13th, 2003.

The Manchester, Connecticut Katkauskas family's 50 year old, 79-foot-Norway spruce was cut only two days ago. It came to New York City's Rockefeller Center via Truck and Barge and is in my opinion a heck of alot more upright than previous years' trees.

Oh yeah! I remember viewing the tree from last year and the year before and thinking to myself, "Gee, it droops!" hehehehe, well, this year 'Perk' is in and 'Droop' is out! As soon as the tree is lit, New Yorkled will of course bring you newer photos. Actually, more might be added to this one since this photo was taken in the midst of one of NYC's worst wind storms of 2003 and on an extremely cloudy day.