Hold on to your Halloween decorations. It's time for tinsels and the big Rockefeller Christmas tree reveal.
Real estate giant Tishman Speyer announced Monday that the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be coming from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts -- the first tree to come from that state since 1959.
The tree joining what is now NBC's annual tradition is an 11-ton Norway Spruce. It's 74-feet tall and 43-feet wide, according to Rockefeller Center. The tree is set to arrive in the city later this month ahead of the lighting.
Here's everything we know so far about the festivities and more fun facts about the annual extravaganza.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be cut down from West Stockbridge on Nov. 7 before it travels roughly 140 miles to Manhattan. It will arrive in the plaza on Saturday, Nov. 9, and be hoisted into place.
The tree's arrival is expected to be a spectacle as always, and there will be family-fun activities for holiday lovers to enjoy on the South Plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to organizers.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse will be performing kid-friendly holiday classics and there will also be storytimes with independent bookstore McNally Jackson. Little ones will also have the opportunity to write letters to Santa, decorate their own ornaments, and even get their faces painted.
The festivities are free to the public but those who RSVP in advance will receive a free treat at check-in. Click here for more details.
After arriving on Center Plaza, more than 50,000 multi-colored LEDs will be strung over about 5 miles of wire to adorn the 2024 tree. It will then be crowned with a 9-foot, 900-pound Swarovski star covered in 3 million crystals.
The tree lighting show is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 4. You'll be able to watch NBC's "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" in a live broadcast on TV, on Peacock and wherever you stream NBC 4 New York.
The tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
The Tree's Journey to Rockefeller Center
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a 74-foot-tall Norway spruce that has been growing in the Berkshires for 70 years. The tree was selected by Erik Pauze, the head gardener for Rockefeller Center, in July 2020, after he spotted it while driving down a road in search of future Christmas trees.
Pauze was immediately drawn to the tree's size and shape, and he asked the owner, Earl Albert, if he would consider donating it. Albert agreed, and the tree has been carefully nurtured and cared for in preparation for its trip to New York City.
The tree will be cut down on Nov. 7, and it will arrive in New York City on Nov. 9. The tree will be lifted by crane into its place in Rockefeller Center Plaza. The tree lighting ceremony, a major event for the city and a beloved tradition for many, will take place on Dec. 4.
The Tree's Arrival in Manhattan
The tree's arrival in Manhattan is expected to be a spectacle, with a parade down Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center Plaza. The arrival will be a celebration, with family-friendly activities, live music, and even a chance to write letters to Santa. The event will be a chance to celebrate the holidays and to marvel at the beauty of the tree.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The tree lighting ceremony will be a grand celebration of the holidays. The tree will be adorned with more than 50,000 multi-colored LEDs, and it will be topped with a 9-foot, 900-pound Swarovski star. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. The event is expected to draw crowds of people eager to witness the spectacle of the tree lighting.
A Hometown Tree
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a symbol of hope and joy. The tree is a reminder that even in the midst of difficult times, there is still beauty and wonder to be found in the world. The tree is also a reminder of the importance of community and the power of shared traditions.
The tree's journey from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to Rockefeller Center is a testament to the enduring spirit of the holidays. It is a reminder that even though the world is a big and busy place, there is still room for wonder and joy. The tree's arrival in New York City is a celebration of the holidays, and it is a reminder that the Christmas spirit is alive and well.
The tree will remain on display until mid-January, when it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity. The tree will continue to bring joy and beauty to the world long after the holidays are over.
