A Visit to the Spectacular Tree at Rockefeller Center

One of the best things about living in New York is experiencing the city at Christmastime. Manhattan dresses up for the holidays, and a walk through Midtown reveals festive windows, bright lights, and of course the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This year I visited the tree and the sunken plaza—here’s what I saw.

The Channel Gardens, located just off Fifth Avenue, are a seasonal delight. In summer the 200‑foot promenade becomes a series of granite pools and fountains surrounded by flowers; in winter the walk is transformed into a glittering holiday approach to the plaza and the tree.

Across the street the façade of Saks Fifth Avenue is dressed for the season, adding to the festive atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors from around the world.

Walking down the Channel Gardens—also called the Promenade—you can see the tree rising at the center, framed by the Rockefeller Center buildings. The name “Channel” reflects its position between La Maison Française and the British Empire Building, much like the English Channel lies between France and England.

The Sunken Plaza and Prometheus

At the center of Rockefeller Center is the sunken plaza, where the gilded bronze figure of Prometheus by Paul Manship overlooks the space. Created in 1934, the statue remains an iconic focal point beneath the towering tree.

In winter the plaza becomes an ice rink crowded with skaters and spectators; in warmer months it transforms into an al fresco dining area. The scene is always lively and offers a quintessential New York holiday experience.

The steps around the plaza lead up to a perimeter that frames the rink and the tree. From these vantage points you can appreciate both the sculptures and the festive decorations that surround the plaza.

On a visit I even spotted a not‑so‑cheerful Santa watching the skaters—reminders that the holiday rush brings many different faces and moods to the plaza.

The flagpoles that ring the plaza are dressed in silver and gold for the season. During the rest of the year the display features flags from United Nations member countries—about 200 flags—creating an international canopy around the center.

The Tree

Each year a tree is donated to Rockefeller Center and the owners cover the transportation costs. This season’s tree was a 72‑foot Norway spruce, a massive specimen that weighed about 12 tons and originally grew in Walkill, New York. The tree was topped with a new Swarovski crystal star weighing roughly 90 pounds and composed of millions of crystals—an eye‑catching crowning piece.

At the head of the sunken plaza you’ll also see human figures that add to the center’s sculptural program—the Youth and the Maiden—originally intended to flank Prometheus but later placed where we now admire them. Nearby stands the toy soldier statue, blowing his trumpet and adding a whimsical touch to the scene.

All around the plaza the hustle and bustle is on full display—crowds taking photos, families enjoying the lights, and visitors soaking up the festive energy. I captured scenes of the busy plaza and of my daughters posing with the tree in the background—memories that make this an annual tradition for us.

It was a bit chilly, but we had a wonderful time visiting the big tree. Each year we make a point of walking down Fifth Avenue and stopping at Rockefeller Center—part of our holiday ritual. If you ever have the chance to visit New York during the holidays, this area is well worth a stop. For a broader view, consider a trip up to the Top of the Rock to see the city from above.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays—may your season be filled with light and good company.

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Thank you for joining me on this visit to the Rockefeller Center tree. Happy holidays and safe travels!