The Big Apple is gearing up for holiday season, as the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree officially begins its journey from a small Massachusetts town to New York City.
The 11-ton tree was loaded onto a flatbed truck for the roughly 140-mile trip to Midtown Manhattan, and is expected to arrive at Center Plaza on Saturday.
Local residents and tourists flocked to the now festive site to bid farewell to the tree, which was donated by the Albert family.
It was planted 67 years ago in honor of the homeowner’s nieces, and the family is looking forward to giving the tree a new home.
Erik Pauze, the head gardener for Rockefeller Center, has picked the site’s Christmas tree for almost 30 years, and spotted this one in 2020 by accident when he was driving through town.
To ensure a smooth transition, Pauze has been caring for the tree since April by watering and feeding it, before workers tied the tree in a lengthy process called “corseting.”
Upon its arrival, the tree will be decorated with 50,000 multi-colored lights, with a Swarovski crystal star on top.
A Christmas Tradition
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1931 and has since captivated millions of people every year from around the world.At the time, the center complex staff were looking to get into the holiday spirit and decided to raise funds to liven up the area with a fir tree, decorated by families of the employees.
The move and positive feedback set the stage for generations to come, and just two years later Rockefeller Center made the tree lighting a regular ceremony.
It wasn’t too long after that the famous ice skating rink was installed, giving visitors a firsthand experience of the Christmas festivities it has to offer.
“The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a reminder to reflect, be thankful and to remember to give back to others among the hustle and bustle of the holidays. That symbol will live on as part of Habitat homeowners’ lives in their new houses.”
