Rockefeller Center Christmas tree - wikipedia Rockefeller Center Christmas tree Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree photographed in December 1987, a 78 foot ( 24 m ) high Norway Spruce decorated with 18,000 lights. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large Christmas tree placed annually in Rockefeller Center, in Midtown Manhattan. The tree is erected in mid November and lit in a public ceremony in late November or early December. Since 1997, the lighting has been broadcast live, to hundreds of millions, on NBC 's Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast on a Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The tree lighting ceremony is aired at the end of every broadcast, following live entertainment and the tree is lit by the current Mayor of New York City and special guests. An estimated 125 million people visit the attraction each year. The tree, usually a Norway spruce 69 to 100 feet ( 21 to 30 m ) tall, has been a national tradition each year since 1933. The 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting took place on November 30, 2016 ; the tree remained on display until January 7, 2017. Contents 1 Selection and decoration 2 History 3 Broadcasting 4 Yearly tree details 5 See also 6 References 7 Bibliography 8 Further reading 9 External links Selection and decoration Trees are traditionally donated to Rockefeller Center, which in turn donates the lumber after display. Until his death in 2009, the late David Murbach, Manager of the Gardens Division of Rockefeller Center, scouted for the desired tree in upstate New York and surrounding states, and even Ottawa, Canada. The trees are now scouted by Erik Pauzé, Head Gardener at Rockefeller Center. Pauzé visits nurseries throughout the tri-state area while keeping his eye out for one - of - a-kind backyard trees. Trees may also be submitted for consideration through Rockefeller Center 's web site. Pauzé and his team choose each year 's tree based on its heartiness and `` Christmas tree shape, '' as well as its ability to support the heavy ornaments. Once a tree is selected, a crane supports the tree while it is cut, then moved to a custom telescoping trailer able to transport trees up to 125 feet ( 38 m ) tall, although the width of city streets around Rockefeller Center limits the height of the tree to 100 feet ( 30 m ). Local business Christmas Tree Brooklyn provides support in delivering the tree safely into the city. On its way to Manhattan, the tree is often dressed in giant red bows or banners extending holiday greetings to witnesses. Trucks, barges, and even a transport plane have all been used to help the tree make the trip. Once at Rockefeller Center, the tree is supported by four guy - wires attached at its midpoint and by a steel spike at its base. Scaffolding is erected around the tree to assist workers in hanging about 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and the star top. The crystal star that has topped the tree since 2004 is 9.5 feet ( 2.9 m ) in diameter and weighs 550 pounds ( 250 kg ). This `` Swarovski Star, '' containing 25,000 Swarovski crystals, 1 million facets, and LED lights, was created by German artist Michael Hammers. History The first tree at Rockefeller Center, erected by construction workers in 1931 shortly after the site was cleared. Above, the workers line up for pay beside the tree, adorned with garlands made by workers ' families. Although the official Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center began in 1933 ( the year 30 Rockefeller Plaza opened ), an unofficial tradition began during the Depression - era construction of the Center, when workers decorated a smaller 20 foot ( 6.1 m ) balsam fir with `` strings of cranberries, garlands of paper, and even a few tin cans '' on Christmas Eve ( December 24, 1931 ), as recounted by Daniel Okrent in his history of Rockefeller Center. According to Rockefeller Center, workers pooled their money for that unlit tree, with the garlands made by workers ' families. With the lighting of the first official tree, a 50 footer ( 15 m ), two years later, the tree became what Rockefeller Center dubbed `` a holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike. '' A skating rink was opened below the tree in the plaza in 1936. Rockefeller Center has observed the tree to be `` from the beginning... a gathering place and reflection of what was happening in the world around it. '' World War II ushered in simple, patriotic decorations, including red, white and blue unlit globes and painted wooden stars. In 1942, instead of one large tree, three more modest trees were raised, each decorated in one of the flag 's colors. From 1944 until the war 's end in 1945, the tree went unlit due to blackout regulations. After the war, the year of darkness was left behind, as six ultraviolet light projectors were employed to make it appear as though the tree 's 700 fluorescent globes were glowing in the dark. By the 1950s, workers began using scaffolding to decorate the tree, as larger trees were accommodated. Before the decade was over, the decorating process called for 20 workers and nine days. 1951 marked the first time that NBC televised the tree lighting with a special on `` The Kate Smith Show. '' In 1969, artist Valerie Clarebout 's towering wire herald angels were added to the Channel Gardens in front of the tree near Fifth Avenue. Clarebout created the 12 sculptures using 75 points of metal wire each. The 1971 tree, a 65 - footer from East Montpelier, Vt., was the first to be mulched and recycled. It was turned into 30 three - bushel bags of mulch for the nature trails of upper Manhattan. Though the tree typically makes its journey on a truck bed, in 1998 it was flown in from Richfield, Ohio on the world 's largest transport plane. The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a 94 foot ( 29 m ) high Norway Spruce from Oneonta, N.Y., with 50,000 lights. Photographed December 2, 2016 by Michael Vadon. 1999 saw Rockefeller Center 's tallest tree, a 100 foot ( 30 m ) spruce from Killingworth, Conn. In 2001, following the events of September 11, the tree was again decorated in hues of red, white and blue. In 2007, the tree went `` green '', converting to energy - efficient lighting with LEDs. The LEDs use 1,200 fewer kilowatts of electricity per day, enough to power a 2,000 - square - foot home for a month. Also since 2007, each year after display, the tree has been milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity for use in house construction. The 2016 tree, a Norway Spruce from Oneonta, N.Y., is at 94 feet high the second tallest ever erected at Rockefeller Center. At 56 feet wide and over 30,000 pounds, the tree is the widest and heaviest to date, according to construction crews. Since 2011, the tree lighting ceremony has been followed by the singing of Joy to the World. The decorated tree remains on display at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, at least through January 6 of the new year. More than a half million people pass by the tree each day while it is on display, according to Rockefeller Center. Broadcasting Since 1997, the lighting ceremony has been broadcast live on NBC from 8 : 00 PM Eastern Standard Time to 9 : 00 PM Eastern Standard Time. The ceremony is hosted by Today Show anchors Matt Lauer, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Yearly tree details Year Original location Tree type Height Lighting 2017 State College, PA Norway spruce 75 ft November 29, 2017 2016 Oneonta, NY Norway spruce 94 ft November 30, 2016 2015 Gardiner, NY Norway spruce 78 ft December 2, 2015 2014 Danville, PA Norway spruce 85 ft December 3, 2014 2013 Shelton, CT Norway spruce 76 ft December 4, 2013 2012 Flanders, NJ Norway spruce 80 ft November 28, 2012 2011 Mifflinville, PA Norway spruce 74 ft November 30, 2011 Mahopac, NY Norway spruce 74 ft November 30, 2010 2009 Easton, CT Norway spruce 76 ft December 2, 2009 2008 Hamilton, NJ Norway spruce 72 ft December 3, 2008 2007 Shelton, CT Norway spruce 84 ft November 28, 2007 2006 Ridgefield, CT Norway spruce 88 ft November 29, 2006 2005 Wayne, NJ Norway spruce 74 ft November 30, 2005 Suffern, NY Norway spruce 71 ft November 30, 2004 2003 Manchester, CT Norway spruce 79 ft December 3, 2003 2002 Bloomsbury, NJ Norway spruce 76 ft December 4, 2002 Wayne, NJ Norway spruce 81 ft November 28, 2001 2000 Buchanan, NY Norway spruce 80 ft November 29, 2000 1999 Killingworth, CT Norway spruce 100 ft * December 1, 1999 1998 Richfield, OH Norway spruce 75 ft December 2, 1998 Stony Point, NY Norway spruce 70 ft December 2, 1997 Armonk, NY Norway spruce 90 ft December 3, 1996 1995 Mendham, NJ Norway spruce 75 ft December 5, 1995 Ridgefield, CT Norway spruce 85 ft December 2, 1994 Montebello, NY Norway spruce 70 ft 1986 Nanuet, NY Norway spruce 68 ft 1980 Mahwah, NJ Norway spruce 70 ft 1978 Mahwah, NJ Norway spruce 75 ft 1963 Rockaway, NJ Bruce Fir, Veit 84 ft 1957 Brighton, VT White spruce 67 ft * Tallest Tree on Record See also National Christmas Tree References Jump up ^ Lambert, Bruce ( December 5, 2008 ). `` A Christmas Tree That Manhattan 's Can Look Up To ''. The New York Times. Retrieved December 14, 2008. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Tree Facts '' ( PDF ). The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. 2007. Jump up ^ `` Christmas Tree Lighting ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/. 2016. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hunter David Murbach dies just before Christmas ''. The New York Daily News. January 6, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center 's tree ''. about.com. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 01. Jump up ^ `` How Rockefeller Center Chooses a Christmas Tree Each Year ''. Travel + Leisure. November 10, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ In New York, a Big Tree Takes Its Place. Youtube. Jump up ^ AP ( 26 December 2013 ). `` Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lights Up ''. Gazers. Retrieved 4 December 2013. Jump up ^ Berger, Paul ( 2005 - 12 - 04 ). `` A Star Is Reborn ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 2008 - 05 - 29. Jump up ^ Barron, James ( 2009 - 11 - 18 ). `` A Star Makeover ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 2009 - 12 - 11. Jump up ^ Okrent, Daniel ( 2003 ). Great Fortune : The Epic of Rockefeller Center. New York : Viking Press. p. 188. ISBN 0 - 670 - 03169 - 0. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Yule Never Guess The Tree Height ''. thetreenyc.org. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ `` The tree at Rockefeller Center ''. Rockefeller Center. 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 01. Jump up ^ `` LEDs will light up Rockefeller Christmas tree ''. CNN. 2007. Archived from the original on November 23, 2007. Retrieved 2007 - 12 - 01. Jump up ^ `` The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC Tradition ''. www.6sqft.com. November 29, 2016. Jump up ^ `` 84th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting 2016 ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ `` This Year 's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is a Huge Norway Spruce ''. ny.curbed.com. Jump up ^ `` Tree Lighting History ''. rockefellercenter.com/holidays. Jump up ^ https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/ Jump up ^ Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in NYC, retrieved 2016 - 11 - 14 Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Tree to Arrive in New York City This Week ''. Retrieved 2015 - 11 - 03. Jump up ^ `` Danville Christmas Tree Rockefeller Center ''. PennLive. Retrieved December 26, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree ''. Courant. Retrieved November 11, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hails from N.J. this holiday season ''. Star - Ledger. 2012 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree donated by family of Ground Zero FDNY veteran ''. New York Daily News. 2010 - 11 - 11. Retrieved 2010 - 11 - 11. Jump up ^ `` Christmas tree going up in NY 's Rockefeller Center ''. Associated Press. 2009 - 11 - 12. Archived from the original on November 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Hamilton tree headed for Rockefeller Center called ' miracle ' ''. NJ.com. 2008 - 11 - 13. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` 2007 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree From Shelton, Connecticut ''. About.com. 2007 - 11 - 09. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Connecticut Tree Spruces Up Rockefeller Plaza ''. Fox News. 2006 - 11 - 10. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Katrina, Rita Kids Light Rockefeller Tree ''. Fox News. 2005 - 12 - 01. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. ^ Jump up to : `` NYC -- Rockefeller Christmas and Tree -- New York City ''. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` 76 - foot spruce arrives in Rockefeller Center for holidays ''. The Boston Globe. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Center Christmas tree installed ''. CNN. 2010 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Rockefeller Tree Lighting is Close ''. Jump up ^ `` The 1998 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree ''. Retrieved 2013 - 12 - 01. Jump up ^ `` The Torsilieris Deliver the Rockefeller Tree, Once Again ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 3 December 2013. Jump up ^ `` 70 - Foot Spruce Finds a Home for the Holidays ''. Retrieved 2016 - 12 - 25. Jump up ^ Fernandez, Manny. `` It 's No Simple Matter Before a Tree Joins Rockefeller Center History ''. The New York Times. Retrieved 2009 - 11 - 12. Jump up ^ Storer, Sam. `` Rockefeller Center Tree Goes up in New York City ''. Jump up ^ Storer, Sam ( 1978 - 11 - 17 ). `` Christmas tree going up today ''. Gadsden Times. Jump up ^ Hunt, Pat ( December 2008 ). `` Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree ''. Vermont 's Northland Journal. 7 ( 9 ) : 6. Bibliography The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. ISBN 0 - 9650308 - 7 - 3. `` Christmas Tech ''. Modern Marvels. 2006 - 12 - 20. The History Channel. Further reading Moseman, Andrew ( November 14, 2008 ). `` How Riggers Raise the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree : Live on Scene ''. Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 21, 2008. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. 2006 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Image Gallery NYC Insider Guide to Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Christmas in Rockefeller Center, NBC.com Special tree - decorating game, NBC.com Christmas at Rockefeller Center, NBC.com Happy Holidays from NBC ( ' 08 - ' 09 ) Happy Holidays from NBC ( ' 09 - ' 10 ) Holidays on NBC ( 2011 ) Tree Lighting Times at Rockefeller Center, NYSGO.com The Swarovski Star A Rockefeller Christmas, The Rockefeller Archive Center Christmas trees Cultivation Christmas tree cultivation Christmas tree cultivation history Christmas tree pests and weeds Production Canadian production Danish production Global production Mexican production U.S. production Artificial Artificial Christmas tree Aluminum Christmas tree Feather Christmas tree Pre-lit tree Decorations Candy cane Christmas ornament Christmas lights Garland Pickle Pleated Christmas hearts Shiny Brite ornaments Szaloncukor Tinsel Tree - topper Individual trees Anthem Boston California Capitol Chicago Grand Place ( Brussels ) Grove ( L.A. ) Lisbon ( Portugal ) Macy 's ( Atlanta ) Milwaukee Mount Ingino ( Italy ) U.S. Capitol U.S. National Tree Rockefeller Center Sri Lanka Toledo ( Ohio ) Zoo Trafalgar Square ( London ) Tree ( Paris ) Vatican White House Trade groups American Christmas Tree Association British Christmas Tree Growers Association Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association Christmas Tree Promotion Board Danish Christmas Tree Growers Association National Christmas Tree Association Other topics Chichilaki Christmas tree stand Festive ecology Hanukkah bush Holiday tree Rouse Simmons Singing Christmas Tree Tree baler Christmas Christmas Eve Children 's Day Boxing Day Nochebuena Saint Nicholas Day St. Stephen 's Day Sol Invictus Yule In Christianity Biblical Magi Adoration of the Magi Adoration of the Shepherds Advent Angel Gabriel Annunciation Annunciation to the shepherds Baptism of the Lord Bethlehem Christingle Christmastide Epiphany Herod the Great Jesus Joseph Mary Massacre of the Innocents flight into Egypt Nativity Fast Nativity of Jesus in art in later culture Nativity scene Saint Nicholas Star of Bethlehem Twelfth Night In folklore Badalisc La Befana Belsnickel Caganer Christkind Ded Moroz Elves Father Christmas Grýla Jack Frost Joulupukki Knecht Ruprecht Korvatunturi Krampus Mikulás Miner 's figure Mrs. Claus Nisse / Tomte North Pole Old Man Winter Olentzero Père Fouettard Père Noël Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer Saint Lucy Santa 's reindeer Santa 's workshop Sinterklaas Tió de Nadal Vertep Yule Cat Yule Lads Zwarte Piet Gift - bringers Saint Nicholas Santa Claus List of Christmas gift - bringers by country Traditions Advent calendar Advent candle Advent wreath Boar 's Head Feast Candle arches Cards Carols by Candlelight Cavalcade of Magi Crackers Decorations Events and celebrations Feast of the Seven Fishes Flying Santa Hampers Las Posadas Letters Lights Markets Meals and feasts Moravian star Nine Lessons and Carols NORAD Tracks Santa Nutcrackers dolls Ornaments Parades list Piñatas Pyramids Räuchermann Seals Secret Santa Spanbaum Stamps Stockings Tree Twelve Days Wassailing Windows Yule Goat Yule log By country Australia and New Zealand Denmark Germany Hawaii Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Mexico Norway Philippines Poland Romania Russia Scotland Serbia Sweden Ukraine Music Carols list Hit singles UK Hit singles US Other media Films Poetry `` Old Santeclaus with Much Delight '' `` A Visit from St. Nicholas '' Television specials Yule Log In modern society Advent Conspiracy Black Friday ( partying ) Black Friday ( shopping ) Bronner 's Christmas Wonderland Christmas club Christmas creep Christmas Day ( Trading ) Act 2004 Christmas Lectures Christmas Mountains Christmas truce Controversies Cyber Monday Economics Giving Tuesday El Gordo Holiday season In July In August Leon Day NBA games NFL games Puritan New England American Civil War Post-War United States Running of the Santas SantaCon Santa 's Candy Castle Small Business Saturday Super Saturday Virginia O'Hanlon White Christmas Winter festivals WWE Tribute to the Troops Xmas Food and drink Dinner Joulupöytä Julebord Kūčios Réveillon Twelve - dish supper Smörgåsbord Wigilia Sweets bûche de Noël Cake Candy cane Cookies Fruitcake Gingerbread Kourabiedes Melomakarono Mince pie Pavlova Pecan pie Pumpkin pie Pudding Rosca de reyes Szaloncukor Turrón Soup Menudo Sauce Cranberry sauce Beverages Apple cider Champurrado Eggnog Mulled wine Smoking Bishop Ponche crema Dumpling Hallaca Tamale Meat Ham Roast goose Romeritos Turkey Stuffing Commons Portal Coordinates : 40 ° 45 ′ 31 '' N 73 ° 58 ′ 42 '' W ﻿ / ﻿ 40.75861 ° N 73.97833 ° W ﻿ / 40.75861 ; 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Question: when do they light the tree at rockerfeller center
Answer: a Wednesday after Thanksgiving