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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International Day of Peace
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Oktoberfest
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Lake Magadi, Kenya
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Sailing on thick ice
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Things are looking up
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Leaves of Grass
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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In orbit for Yuri s Night
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World Sea Turtle Day
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World Oceans Day
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The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
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Looking for peace on the precipice
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Jamaica celebrates its independence
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The Crown of the Continent
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Penguins can t fly!
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River otters at Acadia National Park, Maine
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Whales in winter
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Kissing Day
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At the foot of Dubrovnik s Gibraltar
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With leaves this tasty, who cares about a view?
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Bearded reedlings in Flevoland
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Pretty, pretty…butterfly?
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Art over Amalfi
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Life in the slow lane
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The old guard at Old San Juan
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Castelmezzano, Italy
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The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
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Who s there? The largest owl in the world
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The fantastic winter fox
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Gamboa Crater, Mars