See The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

browse (1 / 3)

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is treated more like a celebrity than a tree. The amazing process has a tree scouted and lifted by helicopter, transported in a custom-built vehicle that can transport trees up to 125 feet in length, and adorned with a decorous 30 000 lights and over 5 000 miles of wiring. Finally, to top it all, the tree is then lit up and broadcast across the nation in late November or early December to viewers across America. Celebrities include various stars of the NBC network that come every year to witness the bedazzling spectacle.

Every year, the Rockefeller Center scours the rooftops of New York City, eagerly looking for the tree that will be privileged to become the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Once the tallest, straightest, tree is found (submissions are also made across the USA each year as thousands of entrants seek to submit their Christmas tree as the chosen one) a helicopter holds it in place with cables while it is lifted onto a special vehicle custom-designed and built to transport the tree to the Rockefeller Center, where it is about to become a celebrity. The tree is then kitted with over 30 000 dazzling lights and made to look utterly resplendent in its new coat of lights. The star that is placed on top weighs over 550 pounds, much improved since the traditions origins when a group of people during the depression of the 1930s decorated a small tree with a few decorations and even tin cans, when money was short. The tree usually chosen is a Norway spruce ranging anywhere from 75 feet to 195 feet in length.

Today, the tree is raised in a tradition that has become a well-known one across America. Be part of this spectacular event, take part in the rich tradition by visiting the Rockefeller Center on the evening of the lighting of the Christmas tree. The event promises to dazzle with it star-studded list of celebrities (ranging from the New York mayor to previous celebrities such as Lionel Richie and others); its spectacular lights; and the warm Christmas cheer that permeates the atmosphere. If you happen to miss the ceremony, visit the tree during the week after new years. Bid farewell to the tree that is subsequently to be recycled, with its main stem to be used by the US equestrian team.

While in New York, take advantage of fine self-catering accommodation in the luxury apartment rentals; perched within Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, designed to give you utmost comfort, luxury and convenience. Visit some of New York's other attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum , and many more. Tour the New York countryside; take time out to breathe in the fresh air of the countryside, enjoying water sports on the lake, hunting in the wilderness, or even skiing, returning home to your private luxury self-catering log cabin.