The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large Christmas tree placed annually in Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, NY. The tree is lit in a ceremony the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and is broadcasted live on NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast.

The 85th Rockefeller Tree lighting ceremony will be this Wednesday, Nov 29th, and this year's tree is from State College, PA. Each year, thousands crowd the sidewalks for the event and millions watch the live broadcast as the 75-foot Norway Spruce, adorned with more than 50,000 Christmas lights and a Swarovski star, are lit. The tree will remain lit and on display in the plaza until January 7.

According to the Today Show, the Rockefeller Center's head gardener, Erik Pauze, found the tree seven years ago, and 10 feet shorter. Erik told Jason Perrin, the owner of the land in which the 80-year-old-tree was growing, that "it was tall and wide enough, and full enough, and he thought that in a few years it might be ready to be the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree." And this year was its year!

Habitat for Humanity

As the holiday season wraps up, even the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree must come down, but it does not go to waste. The tree serves a greater purpose as NBC donates the tree to Habitat for Humanity. This is the eleventh consecutive year the tree has been donated. Habitat for Humanity writes on their website that the tree is "milled, treated and made into lumber that is used for building homes." The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree continues to be a symbol of hope and it inspired the children's book, "The Carpenter's Gift."

Tree Lighting History

The official tradition of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center began in 1933 but it was an unofficial tradition during Depression-era construction of the Center. The first official tree, in 1935 was only 50-feet tall, but became a holiday beacon for New Yorkers and Visitors alike. A year later the skating rink opened below the tree in the plaza.

Throughout the years the tree has seen many changes, from going unlit during blackout regulations during World War II, the biggest tree standing 100-feet tall, and the first "green" tree using LED lights.

People from around the world came after September 11th to see the Tree decorated in a patriotic red, white and blue. Today, more than half a million people pass by the tree every day, making Rockefeller Center the epicenter of New York City’s holiday celebrations.