See Photos of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree from 1931 to Now (the Size of the First Tree Will Shock You!)

Mar. 15, 2025

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is on display in New York City in 2023.Photo:Scott Gries/NBC via Getty

Scott Gries/NBC via Getty

The very first Rockefeller CenterChristmas treewent up in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 24, 1931, and the annual tradition has continued to bring cheer in the decades since its inaugural unveiling.The 92nd Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence on Dec. 4, withKelly Clarksonreturning as host.According to the Rockefeller Center website, the evergreen comes from West Stockbridge, Mass., and will be illuminated during theChristmas at Rockefeller Centerspecial that airs live at 8 p.m. Eastern timeon NBC and Peacock. On display through mid-January 2025, the Christmas tree will remain lit daily and for 24 hours onChristmas Eve.Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener — who has selected the cherished Christmas centerpiece for over 30 years — shared how he decided on the tree used in the 2024 lighting ceremony.“What I look for is a tree you would want in your living room but on a grander scale. It’s got that nice, perfect shape all around,” Pauzetold The Center Magazine. “And most of all, it’s gotta look good for those kids who turn the corner at 30 Rock; it needs to instantly put a huge smile on their faces. It needs to evoke that feeling of happiness.“Here, look back on the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree through the years.

The very first Rockefeller CenterChristmas treewent up in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 24, 1931, and the annual tradition has continued to bring cheer in the decades since its inaugural unveiling.

The 92nd Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence on Dec. 4, withKelly Clarksonreturning as host.According to the Rockefeller Center website, the evergreen comes from West Stockbridge, Mass., and will be illuminated during theChristmas at Rockefeller Centerspecial that airs live at 8 p.m. Eastern timeon NBC and Peacock. On display through mid-January 2025, the Christmas tree will remain lit daily and for 24 hours onChristmas Eve.

Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener — who has selected the cherished Christmas centerpiece for over 30 years — shared how he decided on the tree used in the 2024 lighting ceremony.

“What I look for is a tree you would want in your living room but on a grander scale. It’s got that nice, perfect shape all around,” Pauzetold The Center Magazine. “And most of all, it’s gotta look good for those kids who turn the corner at 30 Rock; it needs to instantly put a huge smile on their faces. It needs to evoke that feeling of happiness.”

Here, look back on the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree through the years.

01of 191931The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1931 in N.Y.C.AP/REX/ShutterstockConstruction workers purchased and decorated a 20-foot tree in the Rockefeller Center construction site on Christmas Eve 1931 as the Great Depression persisted.According to Thrillist, they added just a few decorations: cranberries, paper garland and tin cans.

01of 19

1931

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1931 in N.Y.C.AP/REX/Shutterstock

Construction workers purchased and decorated a 20-foot tree in the Rockefeller Center construction site on Christmas Eve 1931 as the Great Depression persisted.According to Thrillist, they added just a few decorations: cranberries, paper garland and tin cans.

02of 19

1934

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C.MCNY/Gottscho-Schleisner/Getty

03of 191936The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C. in the 1930s.In 1936, two trees were erected to celebrate the opening of the now-famous Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.

03of 19

1936

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C. in the 1930s.

In 1936, two trees were erected to celebrate the opening of the now-famous Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.

04of 19

1950

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C., circa the 1950s.Frederic Lewis/Getty

05of 191955The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in December 1955 in N.Y.C.Morse Collection/Gado/GettyPer the Rockefeller Center website, in the 1950s, “workers began using scaffolding to aid in decorating the trees. Before the decade was over, the process called for 20 men and a period of nine days.”

05of 19

1955

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in December 1955 in N.Y.C.Morse Collection/Gado/Getty

Per the Rockefeller Center website, in the 1950s, “workers began using scaffolding to aid in decorating the trees. Before the decade was over, the process called for 20 men and a period of nine days.”

06of 19

1962

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1962 in N.Y.C.AP/REX/Shutterstock

07of 191970The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C., circa 1970.David Herman/Archive Photos/Getty ImagesAs the evergreens grew larger, the means of getting them from their “homes” to New York City grew more creative — like the time a tree was floated down the Hudson River on a barge or when the world’s largest transport plane, an Anatov 124, flew a tree in from Ohio (via the Rockefeller Center website).

07of 19

1970

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C., circa 1970.David Herman/Archive Photos/Getty Images

David Herman/Archive Photos/Getty Images

As the evergreens grew larger, the means of getting them from their “homes” to New York City grew more creative — like the time a tree was floated down the Hudson River on a barge or when the world’s largest transport plane, an Anatov 124, flew a tree in from Ohio (via the Rockefeller Center website).

08of 191973The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1973 in N.Y.C.Bettmann Archive/GettyAccording to Thrillist, this isn’t like yourat-home Christmas tree: Cold outdoor temperatures keep it fresh, so it doesn’t require water.

08of 19

1973

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1973 in N.Y.C.Bettmann Archive/Getty

According to Thrillist, this isn’t like yourat-home Christmas tree: Cold outdoor temperatures keep it fresh, so it doesn’t require water.

09of 191982A view of the Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1982 in N.Y.C.Bettmann Archive/GettyBy the 1980s, the tree reached another milestone: most lights used. The year 1986 boasted a then-record 20,000 lights, as detailed on the Rockefeller Center website.

09of 19

1982

A view of the Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 1982 in N.Y.C.Bettmann Archive/Getty

By the 1980s, the tree reached another milestone: most lights used. The year 1986 boasted a then-record 20,000 lights, as detailed on the Rockefeller Center website.

10of 191996The Christmas tree stands outside the Rockefeller Center in 1996 in N.Y.C.John Stillwell/PA/GettyThe 1996 tree was pretty grand, but what came in 1999 was even greater: the largest Rockefeller Center tree ever, hailing from Killingworth, Conn., and standing 100 feet tall.

10of 19

1996

The Christmas tree stands outside the Rockefeller Center in 1996 in N.Y.C.John Stillwell/PA/Getty

The 1996 tree was pretty grand, but what came in 1999 was even greater: the largest Rockefeller Center tree ever, hailing from Killingworth, Conn., and standing 100 feet tall.

11of 19

2004

The band, Chicago, plays onstage during the lighting ceremony of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2004 in N.Y.C.JULIE JACOBSON/AP/REX/Shutterstock

12of 192016The Christmas tree is seen outside the Rockefeller Center on Nov. 30, 2016, in N.Y.C.Noam Galai/WireImageAsCurbed NY reported, the second-largest tree to ever grace Rockefeller Center was 2016’s centerpiece at 94 feet tall and weighing 14 tons. Angie and Graig Eichler of Oneonta, N.Y., donated the Norway Spruce, which made its way into Manhattan over the George Washington Bridge.

12of 19

2016

The Christmas tree is seen outside the Rockefeller Center on Nov. 30, 2016, in N.Y.C.Noam Galai/WireImage

AsCurbed NY reported, the second-largest tree to ever grace Rockefeller Center was 2016’s centerpiece at 94 feet tall and weighing 14 tons. Angie and Graig Eichler of Oneonta, N.Y., donated the Norway Spruce, which made its way into Manhattan over the George Washington Bridge.

13of 192017The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center on Nov. 29, 2017, in N.Y.C.Michael Loccisano/GettyWeighing 12 tons and measuring 75 feet tall,per NBC News, 2017’s Norway spruce came from Jason Perrin of State College, Penn.

13of 19

2017

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center on Nov. 29, 2017, in N.Y.C.Michael Loccisano/Getty

Weighing 12 tons and measuring 75 feet tall,per NBC News, 2017’s Norway spruce came from Jason Perrin of State College, Penn.

14of 192018Kellie Pickler performs during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28, 2018, in N.Y.C.Nicholas Hunt/WireImageThe 75-year-old Norway spruce, standing 72 feet tall, “grew up” 70 miles outside Manhattan in upstate Wallkill, N.Y. According to the Rockefeller Center website, the tree lived on the property of N.Y.C. transplants and recent retirees Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez. Pauze visited five years prior.

14of 19

2018

Kellie Pickler performs during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28, 2018, in N.Y.C.Nicholas Hunt/WireImage

The 75-year-old Norway spruce, standing 72 feet tall, “grew up” 70 miles outside Manhattan in upstate Wallkill, N.Y. According to the Rockefeller Center website, the tree lived on the property of N.Y.C. transplants and recent retirees Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez. Pauze visited five years prior.

15of 192019The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center shines brightly in the glow of lights on Dec. 4, 2019, in N.Y.C.Benno Schwinghammer/picture alliance/GettyCarol Schultz of Florida, N.Y., planted her tree 60 years prior, hoping it would someday betheRockefeller Center tree.“I would talk to it now and then since it’s been small,” shetoldThe New York Timesin 2019.The message: “Someday you’re going to bethere.“Schultz called the 77-foot Norway spruce her “80th birthday present to the world.”

15of 19

2019

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center shines brightly in the glow of lights on Dec. 4, 2019, in N.Y.C.Benno Schwinghammer/picture alliance/Getty

Carol Schultz of Florida, N.Y., planted her tree 60 years prior, hoping it would someday betheRockefeller Center tree.

“I would talk to it now and then since it’s been small,” shetoldThe New York Timesin 2019.

The message: “Someday you’re going to bethere.”

Schultz called the 77-foot Norway spruce her “80th birthday present to the world.”

16of 192020The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 2020 in N.Y.C.Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty"See? Girlfriend just needed better lighting and a few extensions,“TODAY’sSavannah Guthriejokedon Instagramafter the lighting of the 2020 tree, which sparked some discussion after appearing quite sparse upon its arrival in N.Y.C.The 75-foot spruce wasfound at Daddy Al’s General Storein Oneonta, N.Y. After it went up, the tree had the internet abuzz, thanks to some bare patches and less-than-perky branches.“Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh?” theRockefeller Center Instagram accountresponded to commenters, adding, “Just wait until I get my lights on!“Crewsadded some branches to the tree— along with the signature sparkly décor — before the big lighting on Dec. 2.

16of 19

2020

The Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center in 2020 in N.Y.C.Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

“See? Girlfriend just needed better lighting and a few extensions,“TODAY’sSavannah Guthriejokedon Instagramafter the lighting of the 2020 tree, which sparked some discussion after appearing quite sparse upon its arrival in N.Y.C.

The 75-foot spruce wasfound at Daddy Al’s General Storein Oneonta, N.Y. After it went up, the tree had the internet abuzz, thanks to some bare patches and less-than-perky branches.

“Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh?” theRockefeller Center Instagram accountresponded to commenters, adding, “Just wait until I get my lights on!”

Crewsadded some branches to the tree— along with the signature sparkly décor — before the big lighting on Dec. 2.

17of 192021A view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree during the 89th annual lighting ceremony in N.Y.C. on Dec. 1, 2021.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via GettyThis 79-foot Norway spruce wasscouted from Elkton, Md., making it thefirst tree from the Old Line State.It was donated from the yard of the Price family, who was present in N.Y.C. for the 80-year-old tree’s arrival in the Big Apple in mid-November.“We never thought a tree on our property would be selected for Rockefeller Center. Nope, not in a million years,” Devon Price said during anappearance onTODAYon Nov. 12, 2021. “As a family, we’ve gone from ‘No, we can’t let this tree go’ to now, we worry about it. We worry about how it survived a storm or a heavy rain or heavy wind. So, we’re very excited to have it go to New York City.”

17of 19

2021

A view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree during the 89th annual lighting ceremony in N.Y.C. on Dec. 1, 2021.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty

This 79-foot Norway spruce wasscouted from Elkton, Md., making it thefirst tree from the Old Line State.

It was donated from the yard of the Price family, who was present in N.Y.C. for the 80-year-old tree’s arrival in the Big Apple in mid-November.

“We never thought a tree on our property would be selected for Rockefeller Center. Nope, not in a million years,” Devon Price said during anappearance onTODAYon Nov. 12, 2021. “As a family, we’ve gone from ‘No, we can’t let this tree go’ to now, we worry about it. We worry about how it survived a storm or a heavy rain or heavy wind. So, we’re very excited to have it go to New York City.”

18of 19

2022

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit in N.Y.C. on Nov. 30, 2022.SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

According toTODAY, the Norway spruce towered at 82 feet tall, 50 feet wide and topped out at 14 tons. The 85-year-old evergreen came from Queensbury, N.Y., a small town about three-and-a-half hours north of N.Y.C. The Rockefeller Center shared a videoon Instagramof the early stages of the tree’s journey to Manhattan.

The stunning topper was covered in 3 million crystals and weighed almost 900 lbs., perTODAY.

19of 192023The Swarovski star is seen atop the Christmas tree during the Rockefeller Center’s annual lighting ceremony in N.Y.C. on Nov. 29, 2023.Angela Weiss/AFP via GettyFor its 91st lighting ceremony, the center presented an 80-foot Norwegian spruce ornamented with 50,000 lights — the equivalent of 5 miles of wire,according to NBC News.Shipped in from Vestal, N.Y., the 43-foot-wide beauty had its 70 spikes decorated with 3 million crystals and was topped with a 900-lb. 3D Swarovski star twinkling with 30 million crystals.Rockefeller Center head gardener Pauze happened upon the tree — reportedly between 80 and 85 years old and weighed 12 tons — in the yard of Matt and Jackie McGinley while scouting Broome County.“Not too long before I knocked on the door, someone told them, ‘That looks like a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,’ " he recalled to The Center Magazinein 2023.“I knew when I saw it that it was going to work,” he said. “I just had to trim the branches up to 5 or 6 feet. It’s a nice shaped tree, and it looks beautiful. When you stand in the street and look at it against the blue sky, it really looks awesome.”

19of 19

2023

The Swarovski star is seen atop the Christmas tree during the Rockefeller Center’s annual lighting ceremony in N.Y.C. on Nov. 29, 2023.Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty

For its 91st lighting ceremony, the center presented an 80-foot Norwegian spruce ornamented with 50,000 lights — the equivalent of 5 miles of wire,according to NBC News.

Shipped in from Vestal, N.Y., the 43-foot-wide beauty had its 70 spikes decorated with 3 million crystals and was topped with a 900-lb. 3D Swarovski star twinkling with 30 million crystals.

Rockefeller Center head gardener Pauze happened upon the tree — reportedly between 80 and 85 years old and weighed 12 tons — in the yard of Matt and Jackie McGinley while scouting Broome County.

“Not too long before I knocked on the door, someone told them, ‘That looks like a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,’ " he recalled to The Center Magazinein 2023.

“I knew when I saw it that it was going to work,” he said. “I just had to trim the branches up to 5 or 6 feet. It’s a nice shaped tree, and it looks beautiful. When you stand in the street and look at it against the blue sky, it really looks awesome.”

source: people.com