From My Hometown to NYC

From My Hometown to NYC

The holiday season is without a doubt most everyone's favorite time of the year. During this special season, there really is no place better than NYC. The craziness of the streets and stores and mounting anticipation creates a unique energy that is rarely found anywhere else. One of my favorite spots in the city to visit during this season is Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's most popular holiday attractions and is home to an ice rink and most importantly, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This morning, the tree that is going to be moved to Rockefeller Center is being cut down right down the street from my house in Shelton, CT.

The tree getting cut down this morning! 

The Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center is usually a Norway Spruce and its minimum height must be 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Since these trees don't usually grow to these heights in forests, it usually needs to be taken from someones backyard. There is no compensation if your tree is chosen, but there is a great sense of pride that your tree will be one of the most popular objects in NYC. 

Over five miles of lights and a star are used to illuminate the tree. This year, the tree will be put up in mid-November, illuminated on December 4th and taken down on January 7th at 11 p.m. The 81st annual tree lighting will take place on December 4th from 7-9p.m. Although the event is televised, there is nothing quite like going there and seeing it live! There are a variety of performances and ice skaters perform on the Rockefeller Ice Rink. If you miss the lighting simply go for a visit! The tree is illuminated from 5:30am-11:30pm daily. On Christmas it is illuminated for 24 hours and for New Years Eve the lights are turned off at 9 p.m. 

Rockefeller Center is located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The closest subways are the B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts/Rockefeller Center or the 6 to 51st/Lexington.