New York Christmas Tradition Marks Holiday Season

It’s officially that time of year, and as the holidays roll around, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is garnering attention from near and far. Many New Yorkers make the trip to Midtown each year, while tourists from different parts of the world visit for a magical experience.

 Chris Prashad, a 19-year-old Queens native, has only seen the tree three times, but each time he does, it only gets better. “What can I say? It’s honestly magical,” he said. “The pictures you see online are nothing compared to actually standing where I’m standing right now.” 

On December 1, the annual Christmas tree lighting took place as many gathered to watch the breathtaking event light up the night. This year, more people were expected as the effects of the pandemic have dwindled and the in-person experience is considered unparalleled. Over 750,000 people visit the tree every day, according to the New York City informational website. Although the tree is set to come down on January 16, over 100 million people are expected to visit throughout December and early January.

Each year NBC televises the event for those unable to visit the tree. Brooklyn resident Derek Bishundat, 18 looks forward to watching the event on television every year. “My family and I don’t really make time to visit Rockefeller Center, but you better believe we are watching the lighting on television. It has kind of become a tradition even though it was never meant to be one,” he said. “Maybe this year we’ll go.”

This year’s tree is about 80 feet tall, weighs 12 tons and has approximately 50,000 lights that are lit from 6 AM to 9 PM. On Christmas day the tree will be lit up all day long. 

Michelle Yu, 24, a native of Florida, has been waiting a long time for this experience. “It may have taken 24 years to see this tree, but I’m finally here and I am enjoying every single moment of it,” she said.