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Get ready to usher in the holiday season with the splendid Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting happening on December 1! This spectacle of lights and joy is a tradition that dates back to the Great Depression era. During those challenging times, the first tree was put up by construction workers simply looking to bring some Christmas cheer. Today, it's become a star-studded occasion, and thousands flock to witness the many thousands of LED lights bring the magnificent Norway Spruce to life. It's a magical spectacle that truly captures the spirit of the season and is at the heart of New York City's Christmas festivities. As we illuminate the night on December 1, we cherish not only the dazzling tree but also the symbol of prosperity, hope, and resilience it represents.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1931</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Christmas Tree Erected</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the midst of the Great Depression, construction workers put up a small Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center construction site, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Formal Tree Lighting</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first formal tree lighting took place in 1933 once Rockefeller Plaza was open to the public. This event signaled the beginning of a cherished tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Television Broadcast Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tree lighting ceremony was broadcast for the first time on national television on "The Kate Smith Show," sharing this joyful tradition with millions of viewers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>LED Lights Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>In an effort to promote energy efficiency, LED lights were introduced to illuminate the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Solar Energy Utilized</div><div class='timeline-text'>Solar panels installed on the roof of the Rockefeller Center building were used for the first time to help power the Christmas tree's lights.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a watch party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite friends over to revel in the Rockefeller Center Tree lighting ceremony. You can serve hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and other festive foods while watching the spectacle live on television.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Get crafty</h3><p class='facts-text'>In anticipation of the event, make your own tree decorations and ornaments inspired by those you will see on The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This can be a fun activity to engage children and create keepsakes for years to come.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend the ceremony</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you live in New York or plan to visit the city, consider attending the ceremony in person. Witnessing the moment when the magnificent Norway Spruce is lit up with thousands of LED lights is an amazing experience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Recreate the tree at home</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create a mini version of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in your own home. Adorn your chosen tree with LED lights and decorations, mirroring the grand tree to mark the festive occasion.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share your memories</h3><p class='facts-text'>Capture your personal experience attending or celebrating the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting through a blog post, video, or social media post. Share the joy with those who couldn't make it to witness this magical event.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tradition and History</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has been a beloved holiday tradition since the times of the Great Depression. There's something incredible about participating in a tradition that has brought joy and festivity to generations, essentially making us part of a prolonged historical event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Symbol of Unity and Joy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In the cold winter night, the lighting of the grand tree stands as a symbol of unity, resilience and shared happiness. No matter where you watch it from - either from your home or right at the Rockefeller Center - it's an amazing way to kickoff the holiday season with joy and anticipation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Inspires Creativity and Celebration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From hosting a watch party, creating your own Christmas decorations inspired by the tree, to recreating a mini version of it at home - the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ignites a creative spark in us. It encourages us to celebrate in our own unique ways, fostering a spirit of kinship and warm-heartedness.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The size of the tree is significant</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree usually stands between 69 and 100 feet tall. The tallest ever was a 100-foot Norway Spruce from Killingworth, Connecticut, that graced the Plaza in 1999.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A unique star tops the tree</h3><p class='facts-content'>The star that adorns the top of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a dazzling piece of art, featuring 25,000 crystals with 1 million facets and weighs around 900 pounds.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The tree has an impressive number of lights</h3><p class='facts-content'>The spectacular tree is traditionally decorated with more than 25,000 colourful LED lights and is connected by approximately five miles of wire.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The tree gives back after the holidays</h3><p class='facts-content'>After its glittering stint in Rockefeller Center, the Christmas Tree is milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity. It's a way of giving back and promoting sustainability.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The tree is often from the northeastern US</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the specific tree varies each year, it's generally a Norway Spruce from somewhere in the northeastern United States. This represents a continuation of the tradition since the first tree in 1931.</p></div></div>
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