Rockefeller Center’s 76-Foot Christmas Tree Arrives in Manhattan

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrived in Manhattan on November 6, then was lifted into place the next morning as hundreds of people gathered to watch. The 76-foot Norway spruce was brought from West Edmeston, New York, on a trailer about 100 feet long and escorted into Midtown by police.

The tree weighs about 11 tons and is roughly 50 feet wide. Crews set it above the Rockefeller Center skating rink during a public event, using a sledgehammer to drive a spike into its trunk before raising it from the trailer. Fake snow was pumped into the plaza as spectators watched.

The spruce is scheduled to be lit on December 2. More than 50,000 LED lights will cover its branches, and a 900-pound Swarovski star will sit at its top.

Visitors can view the tree through January 9. After it is removed, its wood will be turned into boards and given to Habitat for Humanity. Some visitors described seeing the tree as part of their holiday traditions, including a mother and daughter who attend before going to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.