Does the Rockefeller tree stay on all night?
This tree is one of the greatest emblems of Christmas in New York City. Every year, this beautiful tree draws millions of visitors to view its grandeur and the festive lights. A common question that comes up in people's minds is if the Rockefeller tree stays lit all night. This blog will explore the lighting schedule of this lovely holiday centerpiece along with some interesting facts about its history and significance.
Lighting Schedule
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is illuminated daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. So, for most of the day and night, visitors get to enjoy the twinkling lights and the beautiful Swarovski star atop the tree. However, there are some exceptions to this schedule:
Christmas Eve: The tree continues to be lighted on this special night for the whole 24 hours for everyone to bask in during the day and at night.
New Year's Eve: It is made dark at 9 pm which traditionally marks the end of the year for a more personal celebration by crowds who are waiting for the celebrations of New Year.
Post-Holiday: The tree typically stays up until mid-January, and by January 13th, it is taken down. Then, lights are out until the next season.
This schedule enables both the locals and the tourists to enjoy the magic of the Rockefeller tree during a visit to New York City.
The Tree's History
This tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree began in 1931, when workmen erected a small tree to indicate where the new Rockefeller Center would stand. For the first year, they lit it in 1933; since then, it has become a treasured American holiday tradition. Over the years, the tree has grown both in size and glory, from today's stature between 75 and 100 feet tall and decorated with more than 50,000 LED lights.
The selection process of the tree is very meticulous. A gardener from Rockefeller Center looks for the perfect Norway spruce every year. Transportation costs can reach up to $70,000 after selection, proving just how much work is involved in the holiday display.
Visit Tips
If you are planning to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, here are some tips to make your visit even better:
Best Viewing Time: It is stunning whenever you come to see, but especially at nightfall when twinkling lights glow against the blackness of nighttime.
Photography: Best places to get a shot would be off Channel Gardens or Fifth Avenue between W. 49th Street and W. 50th Streets for it has quite spectacular views of both the tree and the environment surrounding.
Crowd: Crowd is very much there; the place becomes overcrowded on weekends and during the holidays. Plan to see it early in the morning, so avoid any line in queues or sit somewhere upfront to view everything very closely.
In addition to tree viewing, other things by your side can also be undertaken with the help of the masses for their entertainment like ice-skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center or watching the grand window displays all over the sides of Fifth Avenue.
As you make plans to see this magnificent holiday icon, consider how to keep your home just as festive. Hiring professional cleaning services like Sparkly Maid NYC can ensure your home is clean while you enjoy the season with family and friends, knowing your space is sparkling just like the Rockefeller tree! With their dedicated maids, you can focus on creating holiday memories without the stress of cleaning.
With professional house cleaning during holidays, you can spend all your time on festivities, not having to worry over what is to be done. You can count upon your home being ready when you get back from holiday shopping with Sparkly Maid NYC.
To wrap it up, despite not staying lit all through the night, the Christmas tree of Rockefeller Center is such that it will be left burning from early morning up until midnight during most days. So you can view it long beyond Christmas Eve, thus turning it into a much-in-need sightseeing option on your holiday trip to New York City.
Take advantage of local services such as Sparkly Maid NYC to ensure that your home remains clean in this busy season. With dedicated maids, they will ensure that your space remains inviting when you are having fun and celebrating with loved ones. Whether you are hosting gatherings or spending quiet evenings at home, a clean environment makes your holiday experience even better.
