There’s good news for those who enjoy the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York City. The tree has been transported to the city, and this year’s ceremony will go ahead, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lighting ceremony signifies the start of the holiday season in the US, beginning as a beacon of hope during the Great Depression, and it was first broadcast on television in 1951. This year’s tree, a magnificent 75-foot-tall Norway spruce, was donated to the plaza by Al Dick, owner of Daddy Al’s General Store in Oneonta, New York. Erecting the 11-ton tree will be accomplished by crane, positioning it in the center above the skating rink.
The typically early December tree lighting ceremony is a spectacular event broadcast on TV, featuring performances from famous entertainers. The tree dazzles with over five miles of lights and is crowned with a massive 900-pound star crafted by Swarovski Crystal, adorned with three million shimmering crystals. As of now, details regarding this year’s lighting ceremony are still forthcoming, and it remains uncertain whether any restrictions will be placed on the number of attendees in the plaza. Enjoying the event is free; however, attendees should prepare for large crowds.
On Christmas Day, the tree continues to shine brightly for a full 24 hours. If the schedule follows previous years, it will stand tall until early 2021, after which it will be donated to charity for lumber. This breathtaking display always aims to bring comfort and joy, especially in a year that has been challenging for so many people.
