Massachusetts Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives in NYC
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from West Stockbridge, Mass. has arrived in New York City.
The Norway Spruce arrived in New York on November 9 after being cut down on November 7.
Weeks before the grand lighting ceremony, the tree’s arrival in New York City was met with large crowds and much fanfare. Erik Pauze, who serves as Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, told the Associated Press, “They were one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen that come to a tree raising … We stood it up, and now we’re going to lower some of the branches down by hand, because they’re so heavy and so big that we have to lower them down by hand.”
Boston.com talked with West Stockbridge residents who are very excited about their town providing one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in the United States. Local resident Bernie Fallon told the outlet, “There’s a lot of people coming to town that are interested in this. So people are at the house taking pictures and excited about it. The talk of the town, local gossip and conversation is quite high.”
This is the first time since 1959 that a Rockefeller Center tree comes from the Commonwealth. It’s currently set to be cut on Thursday, November 7 and will arrive in New York City on Saturday, November 9.
The tree is 74 feet tall, weighs 11 tons, and is about 70 years old. Once erected in Rockefeller Center, the tree will have 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung on it, which will equal about five miles of wire. The star that will be placed atop the tree is about 900 pounds, has about 70 spikes, and will be covered in approximately three million Swarovski crystals.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4 and will air on NBC.
Seaport Announces the Return of Snowport
Boston’s Seaport has announced the return of Snowport, the neighborhood’s holiday market that’s also packed with a bunch of events and activities.
Per a press release, Snowport opens on November 8 and will feature The Holiday Market, which will be open seven days a week through December 29. The hours for The Holiday Market are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
During peak holiday season hours from December 9 through December 29, the hours are:
- Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Holiday Market is made up of over 120 businesses and 17 food and beverage retailers. The Snowport Tree Market is also returning and will be open from November 22 through December 23. Hours of operation are:
- Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday through Sunday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- (Note: The Tree Market is closed on Thanksgiving.)
Shopping isn’t the only highlight of Snowport; there are also plenty of events and activities for everyone. “Light Up Seaport,” the annual tree lighting ceremony, will take place on December 6, and the annual Menorah Lighting will take place on December 29.
Additionally, Snowport Curling Lanes will be part of the fun this season. The sporting area opens on November 8 and runs through February 28, 2025.
As for admission, a free general admission line is available seven days a week. For those wanting to cut the line, timed-entry reservations are available Friday through Sunday for the following prices:
- $12 per adult
- $6 per Veteran
- $6 per child (ages 6-17, children under the age of 5 are free)
- $1 per ticket sold benefits Boston XChange (BXC)
Complete details on Snowport can be found at BostonSeaport.xyz/Snowport.
