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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree takes center stage every year, but there are more holiday traditions to explore at Rockefeller Center! The historic Art Deco plaza is home to a variety of holiday events and art installations that help bring festive cheer to the city every year. From a massive tuba concert to a Santa meet and greet 800 feet in the air, discover 5 quirky Rockefeller Center holiday traditions (that don’t involve the tree!)
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Every year, before they make their debut on stage, the real-life animal stars of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Nativity scene are blessed. Just before rehearsals start in November, the sheep, camels, and donkeys that appear in the show are ceremoniously doused in holy water. This year, the blessing was conducted by Cardinal Dolan just outside the famous music hall.
Live animals have been a part of the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular since its very first show in 1933. In addition to the live animals, the show features the high kicking performances by the Rockettes and an appearance by the big guy himself, Santa Claus!
Every year, hundreds of tubists of all ages gather beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for the Annual Rockefeller Center Tuba Christmas! The gathering fills Rockefeller Plaza with Christmas music played by student, amateur, and professional musicians playing tenor and bass tubas. Musicians are often dressed in festive outfits and even their tubas are decorated!
Hailing from all parts of the country, the band is led by Chris Wilhjelm, conductor of the New Jersey Wind Symphony and former conductor of the famous Goldman Memorial Band. This tuba tradition began at Rockefeller Center in 1974. Tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips created the event to honor his teacher, the late William J. Bell who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. Since that first concert conducted by Paul LaValle of Band of America fame, the tradition has spread to over 200 cities across the world. Everyone is free to watch the show!
In 2020, the Rockefeller Christmas tree came with a surprise. Stowed away in the branches of the tree as it traveled to New York City was a saw-whet owl who was affectionally named Little Rockefeller, Roxy for short. The adorable owl was eventually released back into the wild, but not before stealing the hearts of New York City’s residents. The public took such a liking to Roxy, one of the most famous animals grave the city, the Rockefeller Center made her an official ambassador in 2021!
Since taking up the position, Roxy has collected tickets at The Rink, hopped on tours at the Rainbow Room, and perched at the Top of the Rock. For a guaranteed sighting of Roxy, you can check out her scheduled appearances. Throughout the Rockefeller Center holiday season, Roxy will be stopping by The Rink and hanging out with Satna’s elves.
Every year since 1955, white angels have flanked the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center for the holiday season. The repeated use of these artworks over a long period of time makes them a unique feature of the complex. The sculptures were originally created by artist Valerie Clarebout in 1955.
According to Rockefeller Center’s website, Clarebout used 76 miles of material, including 18 miles of aluminum wire and brass, to craft each 8-foot angel in her New Fairfield, Connecticut studio. Weighing 50 pounds each, every angel has wire mesh wings and a halo and holds a 6-foot-long trumpet. For the rest of the year, when the sculptures aren’t on display, they’re stored in a climate-controlled warehouse. While she was alive, Clarebout returned to Rockefeller Center to help maintain the sculptures.
This year, Rockefeller Center introduced a new holiday tradition, Santa meet-and-greets at the Top of the Rock! The historic observation deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza will host St. Nick through December 24th. Top of the Rock, which reaches 800 feet above the streets, first opened in 1935. At that time, only 190 feet were available to guests (compared to today’s 9,500 square feet). The deck closed in 1986 and reopened in 2005 after major renovations. Grab tickets here!
Tour the Secrets of Rockefeller Center
Next, check out the Top 10 Secrets of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and 10 Alternatives to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
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