Recently, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting took place and marked 93 years of the joy filled tradition. For the past 93 years, the tree has been a symbol of New York’s beauty and glamour. Each year, it draws in visitors from around the world, all there to experience the spirit of the holidays in NYC, including the famous tree. However, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree had a humble beginning and evolved over time to become the famous symbol it is today.
It all began in 1931 when John D. Rockefeller Jr. was one year into constructing the Rockefeller Center Complex which would include 14 different buildings. This time was also the height of the Great Depression, and in order to lift holiday spirits, they decided to put their money together and purchase a Christmas tree. They bought a Balsam tree which was about 20 feet high and decorated it with garland and strings of cranberries handmade by their families. Two years after this practice was first established, a publicist for the Rockefeller center decided to make the Christmas tree a yearly tradition by holding the first official tree lighting ceremony with a 50 foot tall tree. Later in 1936, the Rockefeller center put up two trees, opened a skating rink, and held an ice-skating competition.
As World War ll began, the decoration of the tree became more patriotic with globes that were red, white, and blue along with painted wooden stars. By 1942, due to war efforts, the decoration had to change once again. Three small trees were set up, each decorated in one of the flag’s 3 colors, instead of having one giant tree. Additionally, the tree was also replanted once the holidays were over. In 1944, wartime blackout regulations were put in place and as a result, the tree had to remain unlit. However, in the following year, to give the appearance that 700 fluorescent globes were glowing in the dark, six ultraviolet light projectors were used. Finally, in 1951, the tree lighting was televised for the first time by NBC with a special on the Kate Smith Show, and this marked the beginning of decorations that would become more and more elaborate over time.
Today, the tree has a special scout named Erik Pauzé, who is Head Gardener at Rockefeller Center. As head gardener his role is very important and the hallmark of his duty is selecting the Christmas tree: “Typically, the timeline is that all year, almost every day, I’m thinking about this year’s tree, next year’s tree, and maybe the tree after that.” Erik not only strives to select the most beautiful and fitting tree but one that will truly bring joy: “Most of all, it’s got to look good for those kids who turn the corner at 30 Rock (30 Rock is 30 Rockefeller avenue, an iconic skyscraper and the center of the Rockefeller Plaza); it needs to instantly put a huge smile on their faces. It needs to evoke that feeling of happiness.” The tree manages to bring joy not just to its viewers but also to Erik. He has described the process of finding the tree to be a wonderful part of the process: “The scouting process is my favorite because you get to meet and connect with so many great people along the way, many of whom I’m still in touch with today.”
The selected tree is typically a Norway Spruce, and this year it is 75 feet tall, weighs 11 tons, and is about 75 years old. It was donated by a family from East Greenbush, New York. The star that tops the tree this year is a 900-pound Swarovski star designed by Daniel Libeskind, and it’s made of 3 million Swarovski crystals! Around the tree there are also over 50,000 LED lights. With classic scenery, beautiful lights, bright crystals, and height, the tree has become a beautiful symbol of New York in the holidays while also bringing people together.
