2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is Cut and Headed to NYC

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is on its way to New York City! The 75-foot tall Norway Spruce will arrive at Rockefeller Center on the morning of Saturday, November 14th. This year’s tree, like its last few predecessors, grew in upstate New York. After its journey from Oneonta to Manhattan, the tree will be prepped for the annual tree lighting ceremony on December 2nd.

Paula Dick, second right, with her daughter Jade, father Al, mother Susan and daughter Autumn, left to right, Photograph by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Daddy Al’s General Store donated this year’s tree. Owner Al Dick, his wife Susan, their daughter Paula and two granddaughters Autumn and Jade were all in attendance at the tree-cutting ceremony to watch the 75 to 80-year-old tree come down. Before the tree is cut, workers secure it to a crane and tuck in and tie down its branches. Unfurled, the tree has a 45-foot wide diameter. Once secured, the crew cuts through the trunk with a chainsaw. It only takes about a minute to slice all the way through. The giant crane then lifts the 11-ton tree away from its stump and hoists it onto a 115-foot long trailer for the drive to Manhattan.

Photograph by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Once in place at Rockefeller Center, the tree will be wrapped in five miles of Christmas lights. That’s 50,000 bulbs! It will be crowned with a 900-pound star that is bedazzled with 3-million Swarvoski crystals. After all of the decorative lights are turned on during the December 2nd ceremony, the tree will be displayed through early January 2021. When the holiday season ends, the tree is cut down into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

Photograph by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer)

Rob Speyer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tishman Speyer, noted how the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is extra meaningful after this rough year. “The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree always represents the holiday season, but it has also stood tall as a symbol of hope, resilience, and New York’s enduring spirit, from the Great Depression to 9/11, Superstorm Sandy through today,” said Speyer, “2020 has been a difficult year, but New Yorkers have persevered, and we are determined to come back better and stronger. We are particularly proud to continue the joyous tradition this year.”

Photograph by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

Next, check out The Top 10 Secrets of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Top 10 Secrets of Rockefeller Center in NYC