Lighting of the New York Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
An international yuletide tradition since 1933, this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a massive, 23 metre Norway spruce that will preside over the Big Apple's picturesque entertainment hub until January 6, 2012.


LONDON, ENGLAND, December 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tens of thousands of spectators look on as celebrities spanning generations perform at the annual tree lighting event. This year's performers include Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Green, Carole King, American Idol songstress Katherine McPhee, and Canadian crooner Michael Buble. Tony Bennett and teen pop phenomenon Justin Bieber performed on video.

A crane and a specially-built trailer are called for once Rockefeller Center head gardener Erik Pauze locates the quintessential evergreen, which historically has been native to the eastern U.S. region. Pauze located this year's blue ribbon spruce in Pennsylvania in March, traveling back and forth from his duties at Rockefeller Center to ensure that the tree remained in perfect health until harvest time.

At the end of November, once a work crew has finessed the spruce into position overlooking the centre's outdoor skating arena, head electrician Charlie Cassely and crew string approximately 30,000 energy-saving LED coloured lights on wires that, end to end, stretch about 8 kilometres. Topping this incredible display is a glittering Swarovski crystal star that tips the scales at a whopping 250 kg.

Visitors to midtown Manhattan can view the towering tree and the surrounding city from the 70-storey Top of the Rock observation deck or from a table at one of 40 dining locations, cocktail bars and coffee shops in Rockefeller Center. Dozens of nearby specialty shops reflect the tree's sparkling glow of yuletide cheer. Most shoppers take a spin around the ice skating rink to complete their exciting and memorable Rockefeller Center tour.

When this year's Norway spruce has played out its time in the limelight, it will continue to preside over the spirit of giving. The tree will be milled into lumber to build homes for families in need through the Habitat for Humanity organization.

For those wishing to participate in the uniquely New York style celebrations, hotels and flights are available from Expedia, as well as a trip to the top of the Rockefeller building to experience the "View from the top of the Rock - visit Expedia Activities for more information.

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