Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Hoisted Into Place, Signaling Start of Holiday Season
New York City's iconic 76-foot tall, 11-ton Norway spruce Christmas Tree was hoisted into place at Rockefeller Center, a significant effort marking the official start of the holiday season in the city.
New York, NY, November 10, 2026 — The much-anticipated annual tradition of placing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has commenced. The towering Norway spruce, standing 76 feet tall and weighing approximately 11 tons, was successfully hoisted into its prominent position at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
This significant undertaking marks the unofficial commencement of the holiday season for many across the metropolitan area and beyond. The arrival and installation of the tree are key events that draw attention and symbolize the festive period ahead.
The tree, a Norway spruce, was transported to its location before undergoing the intricate process of being lifted and secured. The process requires specialized equipment and a dedicated crew to manage the sheer size and weight of the tree. Its placement is a critical step before decorations, including thousands of lights and a star topper, are added.
The selection and transportation of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are part of a long-standing tradition. This year’s tree joins a legacy of festive symbols that have adorned the iconic Midtown Manhattan landmark for decades. The tree’s journey from its origin to Rockefeller Center is a story in itself, often involving careful cultivation and selection by arborists.
While the tree is now in place, further preparations are needed before its public unveiling with a lighting ceremony. The event typically draws large crowds and is a broadcasted spectacle, officially ushering in the Christmas and holiday period. The specific details regarding the tree’s origin location or the exact date of the lighting ceremony were not provided in the initial summary of this event.
The installation signifies the city’s transition into its winter festivities, with the tree serving as a central beacon. The contractor responsible for the hoisting was not explicitly named in the provided information.
Story summarized from the original created by By Jonathan Portee on www.amny.com, see more information here.
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