Famous “30 Rock” tree from Massachusetts already draws visitors

On November 29, 2024By Littum

NEW YORK (Gray Media) – For decades, millions have arrived in New York City around the holidays to enjoy the sights. No spectacle is more legendary than 30 Rockefeller Plaza with its ice rink and big Christmas tree.

For the first time in 65 years, the iconic tree at 30 Rock came from the woods of western Massachusetts in West Stockbridge. The Bay State presented a green monster to New York that is still being set up for the holiday season, but is already drawing eyeballs.

“It’s great to have traditions and the tree is beautiful,” said Jennifer Boykin of Mobile, AL, visiting with her daughter.

At 70 years old, 74 feet tall and 11 tons, the massive tree is truly a giant in the Big Apple.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Boykin said.

The tree arrived earlier this month from the southern Berkshires. When complete, it will be adorned with over 50,000 lights, measuring out five miles of wire. And on top will be a 900-pound star. The tree is always one of New York’s biggest and brightest holiday attractions, even without the decorations.

“It’s the center of the universe at Christmas for me,” said Benjamin Cass of Benton, NH. “You know, growing up, I’ve been here before. Then you have it on TV, the lighting of the Christmas tree and the music. I remember when I was 19 years old, I couldn’t get my friends to come up here, but I came up to skate here myself.”

“I’ve seen it before, but I’m from Sweden and I moved here like over 20 years ago,” said Annika Kvist, who also lives in Benton. “So it’s still magical, because when you’re there, it’s like that cool place you see and hear about. And then it never gets old.”

“To have the stability — I mean, these buildings are also iconic around here. If you look at them, there’s a lot of symbolism that, you know, it’s like, you know, the Roman Empire is here again and it’s strong, and it’s good for everybody,” Cass said.

The annual lighting ceremony takes place on December 4 and until mid-January the tree will be lit daily from 5 o’clock until midnight. Then, as is tradition, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and turned into lumber to build houses.