Yes, they’ve already picked the Rockefeller Center’s giant Christmas tree for 2023
The arrival of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is eagerly anticipated, marking the continuation of a beloved tradition. The chosen giant tree, sourced from Vestal, N.Y., boasts a remarkable age of 80 to 85 years, weighing a hefty 12 tons and standing at an impressive height of 80 feet with a width of 43 feet. This majestic evergreen is scheduled to grace the Rockefeller Center Plaza on November 11, ushering in the holiday season with a festive ceremony featuring activities such as book readings, letter-writing to Santa, and ornament making.
For the past three decades, the responsibility of selecting the tree has rested in the capable hands of Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center. His meticulous process involves not only choosing the perfect tree but also nurturing it, trimming it, measuring it, and overseeing its transportation – a task that spans several months. Pauze, who started as a “summer helper” in 1988 and now manages all of the Center’s gardens, acknowledges that thoughts of the annual Christmas tree occupy his mind regularly, emphasizing the importance of selecting a tree that radiates joy, especially for the children turning the corner at 30 Rock.
Describing the ideal tree, Pauze shares, “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. 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.”
These Christmas trees, identified as Norway spruces, are favored for their size and sturdiness. Notably, the largest tree to date was the 1999 tree, measuring an impressive 100 feet tall and originating from Killingworth, Conn. The upcoming tree for 2023 will be adorned with more than 50,000 lights, covering a distance of about five miles of wire.
Crowning the majestic tree is a star with 70 spikes, adorned with 3 million Swarovski crystals and weighing approximately 900 pounds. This Swarovski Star made its debut in 2004 and has since become a sparkling symbol atop the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
The highly anticipated lighting ceremony is scheduled to air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET on November 29, marking the official start of the holiday season. The adorned tree will be on display until January 13, 2024, continuing a tradition that originated in 1931 when Rockefeller Center employees collectively purchased a 20-foot balsam fir. Two years later, the tradition was formalized with the inaugural lighting ceremony. The introduction of the iconic ice skating rink below the tree occurred in 1936, further solidifying the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree as a symbol of holiday enchantment and community spirit.