Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Begins Journey To New York City

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was cut down Thursday morning and loaded onto the back of a big rig for the long journey to Midtown Manhattan.

It will take two days to transport the 72-foot-tall Norway Spruce from Walkill, New York to New York City, Rockefeller Center announced Thursday. The Orange County town is located just 70 miles away from the city, but transporting a giant tree is an undertaking that takes much time and precaution.

The Norway Spruce will fulfill a destiny years in the making when it's hoisted into place in Rockefeller Center on Saturday. The center's head gardener Erik Pauze first laid eyes on the tree five years ago and determined this spring that the tree was ready for display in New York City, Rockefeller Center announced.

Pauze's team prepared the Norway Spruce for its trip over the past few weeks by watering it on a strict schedule and wrapping its branches to avoid any damage on its two-day journey, Rockefeller Center announced.

The 75-year-old tree has a 45-foot diameter and weighs an estimated 12 tons, Rockefeller Center announced. When the evergreen arrives in New York City a crane will lift it into place and it will be decorated with 50,000 multi-color LED lights. A brand-new Swarovski crystal star will top the tree.

This year's tree lighting event will be free to the public and space is reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis. Those who'd rather take in the spectacle from their comfort of their living rooms can watch the annual NBC broadcast. The ceremony runs from 8–10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

The tree will remain lit until Jan. 7, Rockefeller Center announced.

Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer