Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

In 1931, Rockefeller Center construction workers put up a 20 foot balsam fir tree, decorated it with cranberries, tin cans, and garlands of paper, and sang Christmas carols around it in their husky construction worker voices.  Two Christmases later, the tree was erected again and has became a beloved New York tradition repeated every year since. 

The trees have grown in size considerably since 1931.  Today, they range from 65-100 feet in height and are usually Norwegian Spruce.   Choosing the tree is a full-time, year -round job for the head gardener/manager of the gardens division at Rockefeller Center.  The job is currently held by Erik Pauze.  He has held the role since his predecessor, David Murbach, passed away in 2010.  The job involves scouting trees all over the United States. Sometimes Pauze will get a tip about a tree from a family who is contemplating cutting down their spruce because it is taking up too much space in their yard or they are afraid it will fall on their house. Pauze will come out and evaluate the tree to see if it meets Rockefeller’s “casting notice.”   They seek a tree with personality, height, density, and width.  If the tips don’t lead Pauze to the perfect tree, he will rent out a helicopter to scout trees. While Pauze knows he is seeking a tree that is at least 70 feet in height and at least 9 tons in weight, picking the right tree ultimately comes down to gut instinct.  When he sees the perfect tree, he just knows it.

This year's tree in its original home

This year, Pauze found the crown jewel of Rockefeller’s Christmas display in Shelton, Connecticut.  It stands at 76 feet tall, weighs 12 tons, and is roughly 75 years old.  It belonged to Louise and John Vargoshe, who say watching the tree be chopped down was bittersweet.  Like most people, seeing their beloved spruce tree that has watched over their home for years be cut down was a sad experience, but also a moment filled with pride.  Sharing your tree with the world is always a special experience.  .  The trees 30,000 LED lights will be lit in grand fashion on December 4^th, between 7 and 9 p.m.  Headliners in the celebration will be Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blidge, and the Goo Goo Dolls. 

On January 7^th, the tree will be taken down and donated to a charitable organization.  In the past it has been donated to habitat for humanities where it was milled into lumber and used to help build a house for a needy family. 

You can see this year’s tree by visiting Rockefeller Center.  It is located on Rockefeller Plaza between 50^th and 49^th Streets.  For more information, please visit the officialy Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting website here.  http://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/2013/11/01/2013-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/

Fun fact.  In 2007, I actually skated in the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Here I am with my fellow skating friend Phil Chang "backstage."