On Saturday morning, a flatbed truck drove onto the main plaza at Rockefeller Center with a 75-foot Norway Spruce strapped to its back. It's the 89th time that what is now the world's most famous Christmas tree has been hoisted up in Midtown, and the first year that these festivities are happening during a terrible global pandemic.
The seven-story tree comes from Oneonta courtesy of Al Dick and his family, who were on hand for the traditional spiking ceremony and to pose before their arboreal offering. Spectators were sparse this year, with access to the plaza much more limited than usual, but a rotating group of about 20 observers stood along 50th Street to witness the raising, a process that takes about three hours.
The event is organized by Rock Center's landlord, Tishman Speyer, and spokespersons for the mega-developer were enthusiastic during the hoisting, talking about how this year more than ever New York City needed the tree, as a symbol of normalcy, and of our resilience after an exceptionally grim 2020. And one thing is certain: there will be a fraction of the usual tourists flocking to the plaza this season, so New Yorkers will have this monster almost all to ourselves.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be adorned with over 5 miles of lights ahead of the lighting ceremony on December 2nd, which will be broadcast though will not include a large spectator ceremony this year. Skating at the Rink will begin on November 21st.
