Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: 6 Things You Didn't Know About New York's Most Famous Evergreen

The decades-long tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting draws thousands to the New York City plaza and millions to their TVs every year. With festive musical performances, synchronized high-kicking by the Radio City Rockettes and finally the grand illumination of the towering tree, it’s no wonder why so many see the iconic event as the true start of the Christmas season. Here are a few facts you might not know about the symbolic spruce that makes Christmas, or at least 30 Rockefeller Plaza, a little bit brighter.

In December of 1931, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition unofficially began when demolition workers put their money together to purchase a 20-foot tall balsam fir. The tree, which stood at the Rockefeller Center construction site, was decorated with handmade garlands. The first official Christmas tree lighting took place two years later in 1933, the year 30 Rockefeller Plaza opened.

If you’re dreaming of your tree taking the spotlight at Rockefeller Center, keep in mind that it will have to meet certain standards. According to the Rockefeller Center’s website, the tree selected as the next Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree should be a Norwegian Spruce standing at least 75 feet tall and 45 feet in diameter.

Since 1994, 20 Rockefeller Center Christmas Trees have come from Connecticut (seven trees), New York (seven trees) and New Jersey (six trees). There have also been two trees from Pennsylvania and one from Ohio.

The 1999 Norwegian Spruce from Killingworth, Connecticut holds the record for the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to date. The tree stood at a staggering 100 feet tall.

This year’s tree, hailing from Oneonta, New York, is 94 feet tall and 56 feet wide. Approximately 50,000 multi-colored LED lights adorn the Norwegian Spruce’s branches.

Some might say that a Christmas tree is not complete without a star on top, and if that’s the case, then Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is no exception. The Swarovski star, which made its debut at the top of the tree in 2004, weighs 550 pounds, spans nine-and-a-half feet in diameter and features 25,000 crystals. 

Original Article Courtesy of Forbes.com and DataDesign, FORBES STAFF.