What Happens to Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree After Christmas Is Over
December 22, 2023
source: andykazie/iStock
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there’s no place that captures the festive spirit quite like Rockefeller Center in New York City. Year after year, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree becomes the star of the show, adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments. But what happens to this majestic evergreen once the holiday season bids adieu?
A Tradition Rooted in Splendor
Rockefeller Center’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is a spectacle that draws crowds from near and far. The tradition began in 1931 during the construction of Rockefeller Center when a group of construction workers placed a small, decorated tree in the muddy construction site. Since then, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become a symbol of holiday cheer and a beacon of hope for millions.
The towering evergreens chosen for this festive role are no ordinary trees. They are carefully selected Norway Spruces, chosen for their majestic stature and ability to withstand the winter winds of the Big Apple. These trees, often reaching heights of over 70 feet, become center stage for one of the most-watched tree lighting ceremonies in the world.
The Tree After the Festivities
Once the holiday season reaches its conclusion and the last echoes of “Jingle Bells” fade away, one might wonder: what fate befalls this grand symbol of Christmas joy? Rockefeller Center has found a heartwarming answer to this question, turning the end of the festive season into a new beginning for the trees.
In a strategic partnership with Tishman Speyer, the real estate giant behind Rockefeller Center, the trunks of these iconic trees are repurposed rather than discarded. The robust beams that once held the weight of ornaments and lights are salvaged and given a new lease on life. This initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also underscores the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season.
A Second Act for Evergreens
So, what becomes of these repurposed tree trunks? Instead of meeting the fate of decomposing in a landfill, they find a noble purpose in supporting affordable housing initiatives. Tishman Speyer donates the beams to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing homes for families in need.
The partnership with Habitat for Humanity transforms the once-glittering Christmas Tree into a foundation for hope and shelter. The sturdy, weathered wood becomes a vital component in the construction of homes, providing warmth and stability to those less fortunate. It’s a poetic transformation – from a symbol of holiday merriment to a cornerstone of someone’s future.
As the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree takes its final bow, it leaves a lasting legacy in the form of affordable homes for families in need. So, the next time you marvel at the grandeur of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, remember that its magic extends far beyond the holiday season, leaving an evergreen imprint on the lives of those seeking a place to call home.