5 Fun Facts About Nyc Christmas Tree

The holiday season in New York City is a magical time of year, and one of the most iconic symbols of the season is the NYC Christmas tree. Standing tall in Rockefeller Center, the tree is a beloved tradition that draws millions of visitors each year. But how much do you really know about this festive fixture? Here are five fun facts about the NYC Christmas tree that might surprise you:

The tree has been a Rockefeller Center tradition since 1931, when a group of construction workers erected a 20-foot balsam fir on the site. The tree was decorated with handmade ornaments and a star made of paper. Today, the tree is typically a Norway spruce, ranging in height from 75 to 100 feet.

It Takes a Lot of Lights to Make the Tree Shine

The NYC Christmas tree is adorned with tens of thousands of twinkling lights, which are carefully strung around the branches by a team of expert decorators. In fact, it takes over 50,000 LED lights to make the tree shine bright. The lights are energy-efficient and use a special system to minimize energy consumption.

The Tree Is a Gift from a Special Donor

Each year, the NYC Christmas tree is donated by a different family or organization. The donor is chosen based on a variety of factors, including the health and size of the tree, as well as the donor's willingness to part with their beloved evergreen. The tree is typically chosen several years in advance, and the donor is responsible for caring for the tree until it is harvested and transported to Rockefeller Center.

The Tree Topper Is a Work of Art

The star or angel that tops the NYC Christmas tree is a masterpiece of design and engineering. The current tree topper is a 9.5-foot tall Swarovski crystal star, weighing over 900 pounds. The star is made up of 25,000 crystals and features a complex system of lights and mirrors to create a dazzling display.

The Tree Is Recycled After the Holiday Season

After the holiday season comes to a close, the NYC Christmas tree is carefully disassembled and recycled. The tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it is milled into lumber and used to build homes for those in need. This tradition has been ongoing since 2007, and has resulted in the construction of over 100 homes.

Visiting the Tree Is a Holiday Tradition

Each year, over 750,000 people visit the NYC Christmas tree, making it one of the most popular holiday attractions in the city. Visitors can skate at the adjacent ice rink, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the season.

Fun Facts About the Ice Rink

• The ice rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous in the world, attracting over 750,000 visitors each year.
• The rink is open from late October to early April, offering public skating sessions and private events.
• The rink is made of 3,000 gallons of water, which is frozen to a thickness of 1-2 inches.

Making the Most of Your Visit

If you're planning to visit the NYC Christmas tree, here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:

• Arrive early: The tree is open from 5:30am to 11:30pm, but the crowds are smaller in the early morning hours.
• Dress warmly: It can get chilly standing in line or skating, so be sure to bundle up.
• Bring a camera: The tree is a photographer's dream, with plenty of festive lights and decorations to capture.
• Take a break: If you need a break from the crowds, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors or take a stroll around the surrounding area.

Getting There

• The NYC Christmas tree is located at Rockefeller Center, 48th Street and 5th Avenue.
• The closest subway stations are 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M) and 5th Avenue-53rd Street (E, M).
• There are also several bus routes that stop near the tree, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and Q32.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the NYC Christmas tree! Whether you're a native New Yorker or just visiting for the holidays, the tree is a must-see attraction that is sure to get you in the festive spirit.

Share Your Holiday Photos!

If you've visited the NYC Christmas tree, we'd love to see your photos! Share your favorite holiday snaps with us on social media using the hashtag #NYCChristmasTree.

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