The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree draws throngs of people to Midtown each year to celebrate the holidays. The tradition started in the 1930s, when construction workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money to buy a tree. Officials at Rockefeller Center later formalized the event, especially today’s lighting ceremony, which will be attended by thousands of onlookers. Each year’s tree is selected by the head gardener at Rockefeller Center and topped with a huge star adorned with Swarovski crystals. This year, the tree introduces a new star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind—it weighs 900 pounds, is more than 9 feet in diameter, and features 70 spikes and three million crystals outfitted with LED lights to emit rays in all directions. In January, the tree is milled, and the lumber donated to Habitat for Humanity. We think Santa would approve.
Christmas comes to New York City
Today in History
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It s World Bee Day
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Assembling the Smithsonian
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We have liftoff!
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Happy anniversary to the National Park Service!
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The Spirit of Harlem by Louis Delsarte
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Happy Arbor Day!
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Flock together for Cousins Day
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Ancient storage in the Grand Canyon
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Illuminations on the Gulf of Poets
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The globe skimmers return
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At the foot of Dubrovnik s Gibraltar
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A hit ballet, long after its debut
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Look before you leap
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A garden of prickly delights
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Happy Halloween!
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A star is borne by seaweed
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Art in the chapel
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Tasiilaq, Greenland
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Maloja, Switzerland
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50 years of the Endangered Species Act
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Saint Nicholas Day in Verbier, Switzerland
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Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
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It’s Canada’s national day
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Flamenco dancers
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Veterans Day
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Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships
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US Coast Guard: Protecting us for 105 years
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Hezké svátky
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Get the bear facts