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This Year's Tree

Thanks to New Yorkled's pal JJ Richards
for snapping this shot
on the very morning of the tree's arrival.
Visit his Singing with Light Page(s)

Click on image for a larger version.

'And here is a pic of a previous year's (2006) tree. All 88 feet of it is a heck of alot better looking than trees in previous years. It's so nicely rounded and full. Yup! All 9 tons of it with width of 45 feet!
Below is a 2005 photo of the 74 foot Spruce from Wayne, NJ. All 9 tons of it was quite the beaut!
Rockefeller Tree photograph taken in 2005.
Here's a 2004 photo of the tree at Rockefeller Center on the evening following the grand lighting in NYC.
Here is the 2003 Rockefeller Christmas Tree on the day after it was lit, December 4th, 2003.
2002 Photo of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller
Here is the 2002, 75 year old, 76 foot, 7 ton, 43-foot wide tree which was brought in from Carmine and Mary Rizzo’s property in Bloomsbury, N.J.
Photo of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, 2002
Below is the 2001 Tree at Rockefeller Center
Photo of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, 2001

 

Images From 2009
Here are a couple of photos taken by a friend who was kind enough to share her experience with us. Thank you A.N. ! Must've been quite something to see them hauling this away.

The Easton, Connecticut Spruce being fastened down for its trip to NYC.

The Easton, Connecticut Spruce being fastened down for its trip to NYC.

Below are New Yorkled's top 20 faved Christmas Photos
from past years as posted on Flickr

Some Historical Milestones:

  • 1931 - Workmen on a muddy construction site put up the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. At the time of the Depression, the workmen placed the tree amidst the construction, proud to have the tree on the site of their jobs. 
  • 1933 - First formal Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree was decked with 700 lights in front of the eight-month-old RCA Building. 
  • 1936 - Two trees, each 70 feet (21.3 m) tall, were erected. For the first time the Lighting Ceremony included a skating pageant on the newly opened Rockefeller Plaza Outdoor Ice Skating Pond.
  • 1942 - Three trees were placed on Rockefeller Plaza, one decorated in red, one in white and one in blue to show support for our troops serving during World War II. 
  • 1949 - The tree was painted silver, to look like snow.
  • 1951 – The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit for the first time on national television on the Kate Smith Show.
  • 1966 - The first tree from outside the United States was erected. It was given by Canada, in honor of the Centennial of its Confederation. This is the farthest distance a tree has traveled to Rockefeller Center.
  • 1980 - For the 50th Anniversary of Tree Lighting, a 70 foot-tall (21.3 m) Norway Spruce came from the grounds of the Immaculate Conception Seminary of Mahwah, N.J. Bob Hope participated in the Lighting.
  • 1999 – The largest tree in Rockefeller Center history, 100 feet tall (30.5 m), came from Killingworth, Conn.
  • 2004 – The Swarovski-designed star became the largest star to ever grace the tree.
  • 2007 – For the first time, the tree was lit with 30,000 energy-efficient LEDs. They draw a fraction of the power that had been traditionally required by the tree, reducing energy consumption from 3,510 kwH to 1,297 kwH per day, saving as much energy as a single family would use in a month in a 2,000 square foot (185.8 m²) home. Hundreds of solar panels atop one of the Rockefeller Center buildings help power the new LEDs.

 

Annual Merry Tuba Christmas
FREE TO ALL!!!!

The Rink at Rockefeller Center on
Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 3:30 pm

to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites.  The tubists of all ages will line up under the great Christmas tree and fill the area with the organ-line sound of low brass.  Spectators will be encouraged to become an important part of the concert by singing along with the Christmas carols and famous songs.

Recruited from throughout the greater New York City area, the musicians will be conducted by Chris Wilhjelm, conductor of the famous Goldman band. Conceived by tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, the late William J. Bell (Born Christmas Day, 1902), the first Tuba Christmas was presented at Rockefeller Center in 1974, conducted by Paul LaValle, of Band of America fame.  This unusual Christmas tradition is firmly established in over 200 cities around the world. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About This Year's Tree

It'll be an 80 ft Norway Spruce and will be coming from Joseph Balku's home in Morris County, New Jersey. The 10 ton and 50 foot in diameter tree will be hoisted by crane onto a trailer which will transport it to Manhattan.
November 14 Update:
The Tree had arrived at Rockefeller already.

~~~~~~~

Rockfeller Tree Lighting
Taking place November 28, 2012
from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

at the Rockfeller Plaza Rink
between West 48th and 51st Streets
and betw. 5th and 6th Avenues
The program will include live performances from Rod Stewart, CeeLo Green, Il Volo, Chris Mann and Victoria Justice. Additional performances from Mariah Carey and Trace Adkins; special appearances by Billy Crystal and Bette Midler.

Word has it that Scotty McCreery (of American Idol Fame)
will be joining the long roster of performers as well!
'As well as Brooke White!

The Tree mind you will remain lit and available for viewing
until 11:00 pm on January 7, 2012.
Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie (Both from NBC's "Today") to Co-host the Celebration

 

~~~~~~

BTW, take a look at the newly posted page regarding the Prometheus Sculpture and related photos.


Last Year's 2011 Tree

A 75 Foot Tall Spruce from Mifflinville, Pennsylvania is this year's chosen tree.
It'll be the first time that a tree had been selected from that state to become the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The 46 foot wide tree had been cut on Wednesday, November 9 and was hoisted by crane onto a 115 foot trailer on which it was driven to NYC for a Friday, November 11 morning arrival.

THE KELLER/CRAWFORD FAMILY, MIFFLINVILLE, PA

Being a military wife, Nancy Keller has lived all over the United States – from Alabama to Alaska – but Mifflinville, Pennsylvania has always been home.  It is here, where she grew up, went to high school and met her late husband, Doyle Keller, that she and three more generations of her family have made a home.

Doyle served stateside in the United States Air Force for 20 years.  His years in the military brought a number of moves for him, Nancy and their daughter, Debra Keller.  In 1969, right before Debra started her junior year of high school, Nancy and Debra returned to Mifflinville and were soon followed by Doyle when he retired in 1970.

Since their return to Mifflinville 42 years ago, the Kellers have added two more generations to the family tree.  Debra’s two sons, Billy and Mitch Crawford, 39 and 21 years old respectively, both live within minutes of Mifflinville.  Billy and wife Keri Crawford have two daughters, Olivia and Emma, 11 and 8 years old respectively.

When Nancy and Doyle moved onto the property where the tree resides in 1985, Doyle wanted nothing to do with the massive tree situated next to the house and even suggested cutting it down.  It took some convincing by the family, but with the help of some trimming, a little love and some very tall ladders Doyle was won over and the tree became a part of the landscape that everyone enjoyed.  
“I had poked around the website to see how to nominate our tree but never filled out the application,” said Debra who now lives in the house next door to her mom in Mifflinville.  “You can imagine our surprise when we got a knock on the door from Rockefeller Center’s head gardener.” 

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived at Rockefeller Plaza on November 11, Veteran’s Day, which seems just right to Nancy.  “Doyle’s time in the Air Force and his being a veteran was a big part of who he was – who our family is.  I know he would have enjoyed all of the enthusiasm around our tree being chosen and would have really enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren so excited.” 

The tree was first spotted by the Rockefeller Center team during a routine drive down I-80.  Rockefeller Center’s head gardener saw the tree out of the corner of his eye from the driver’s seat.  Even from hundreds of yards away the 74- foot tall Norway Spruce made quite an impression.   
As a Christmas present every year Debra takes her granddaughters to New York City.  The trip is full of holiday traditions – they go to a show, have lunch at the girls’ favorite restaurants, and shop at their favorite stores.  The highlight of the annual vacation is always the visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which this year will be their own.

“To be honest it won’t be sad to see the tree go,” Debra said.  “We just feel honored that the tree was chosen and will be enjoyed by so many people when it’s sitting in the middle of Rockefeller Center.” 


Christmas Tree Lighting
& Ice Show

Wednesday, November 30, 2011
beginning at 7:00 pm

Don't forget, if you plan to be there
then show up plenty early since the crowds will be phenomenal.

Hosting will be Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie

Celebrities to be featured this year:
Through Live and taped performances at the star-studded tree lighting celebration:
Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon, Megan Hill & Others.

The tree is to be illuminated from 5:30 am – 11:30 pm daily, all day (24 hours) on Christmas Day and 5:30 am - 9:00 pm on New Year’s Eve. The world’s most famous tree will be on display until early January, 2012.  For more information, the public can call 212-632-3975.


THE FOLLOWING IS INFORMATION FROM a previous YEAR (2004) SO'S TO GIVE YOU A BETTER IDEA
AS TO WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR (2009)

As with all other public events in NYC, the crowd forms awfully early, so if you plan to be there then you know what to do since the crowd will of course be huge. The tree will remain lit until early January 8, 2007. Enjoy!

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.


Below is a quick video of the 2005 Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.

"Past News"
2004 Christmas Tree for Rockefeller
Center had been selected!

A 71-foot tall, 40-foot wide, 9-ton tree was set to be cut down, hoisted onto a trailer and taken to Rockefeller Center this Tuesday, November 9th to become the 2004 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Once again, a Norway spruce has been selected and will be transported from the home of Christine Gabrielibes and Demos Kontos in Suffern, Rockland County, NY

The tree was erected on Thursday, November 11th, 2004. 'with decorations to come in the weeks ahead.

Stay tuned and glance below for events taking place at Rockefeller as well as New Yorkled's own way of describing Christmas in this part of Town.


Christmas at Rockefeller
notes from 2003

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.



2003
Christmas Tree in Rockefeller
Commentary below

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.

Prometheus Statue and two skaters gliding along the ice
 

 


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