Rockefeller Center’s 2024 Christmas Tree to Arrive in NYC: A Historic Tradition Continues

The 74-foot-tall, 11-ton Norway Spruce that will serve as the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is making its way to New York City, where it will become a centerpiece of holiday celebrations. Donated by the Albert family from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the tree will be cut down on November 7 and carefully hoisted onto a flatbed trailer for its journey to Manhattan. This marks the first time a tree from Massachusetts has been chosen since 1959. The tree’s arrival in Rockefeller Center is scheduled for November 9, when it will be placed on Center Plaza by a crane.

Once in place, the tree will be adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights. Topping the tree will be a 9-foot, 900-pound star made of Swarovski crystals, featuring 3 million crystals that will shine brightly throughout the season. The tradition of placing a tree in Rockefeller Center dates back to 1931, when construction workers at the site erected a small tree to mark the holiday season. Since then, the tree has become an iconic symbol of the holiday spirit, drawing millions of visitors each year.

To celebrate the arrival of the tree, Rockefeller Center will host its Tree Arrival Family Festivities on November 9. The event will feature live music, kid-friendly activities, and a visit from Santa Claus and his elves, offering a festive start to the season. The tree will be officially lit during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, and throughout the holiday season, it will continue to be a focal point for New Yorkers and visitors alike. This year’s tree is part of the ongoing holiday tradition at Rockefeller Center, which has become synonymous with the spirit of the season for over 90 years.