12-ton Norway spruce is headed for Rockefeller Center’s 2018 holiday HQ

October 30, 2018

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-to-be in its birthplace in Walkill, New York.

That’s right, it’s not even Halloween yet, but the 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been selected and is now being groomed for duty as the centerpiece of New York City’s treasured holiday tableau. The tree, a 72-foot Norway spruce, born and raised in Walkill, New York, is 45 feet in diameter and weighs about 12 tons. The tree will be lifted by crane onto Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, November 10. After being wrapped with five miles of LED lights, the enormous evergreen will be crowned with a new Swarovski star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind for the free, public tree-lighting extravaganza happening this year on November 28.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Swarovski Star
The old Swarovski crystal star, weighing 500 pounds, first adorned the tree in 2004. This year will see a new star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

The sparkling annual affair is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis and kicks off at 7pm, or you can watch it from 8-10 P.M. on NBC. The tree will be on view through January 7, 2019.

Rockefeller Center’s web site has a full trove of facts about the big spruce, including how gardener Erik Pauze chose this year’s model. You can also find out how the tree is recycled after the holidays and put to use for a good cause and see pictures of Christmases past.

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