I was in New York yesterday, and like every other out-of-towner, I had to stop by the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, left. Even on a murky grey day, seeing a magnificent tree like this in the middle of midtown Manhattan really is a holiday wonder. Of course, this being New York (and Fifth Avenue), the tree is meant to impress: seven stories high, decorated with hundreds of lights and ornaments, and crowned with a 550-pound Swarovski crystal star valued at $1.5 million.
But it wasn't always so flamboyant. The first holiday tree on the spot was considerably more modest. In 1931, construction workers put up a 20-ft. tree on their work site and decorated it with improvised garlands and decorations. From these humble beginnings rose not only the grand Christmas tree of today, but also the landmark buildings of Rockefeller Center. Click here for a slide show featuring historic images and facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Above: Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, December 10, 2012, by Susan Holloway Scott.
One of us -- 
2 comments:
Very interesting article and slide show - loved the old black and white photos, plus the colour photo of more modern times.
London too has a tall tree - usually around 20 metres/60 feet, given by the people of Oslo. It stands in Trafalgar Square, and is used as a focal point for carol singers and charity drives.
Still got to decorate mine!
Out of towners aren't the only ones who go to the tree. It's gorgeous and so Christmasy to go. I've been every year and I'm a New Yorker. I love all the tree lightings! I hope you enjoyed and got to see the store windows too.
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