Rockefeller Center's Massive Christmas Tree Arrives This Weekend

MIDTOWN, NY — This Saturday, the Rockefeller Center's massive, 75-foot-tall Christmas tree from upstate New York will put down roots in Midtown, marking the start of the holiday season.

This year's tree — a 75-year-old Norway Spruce from East Greenbush — won't be officially lit until early December, but visitors and locals alike will be able to watch it arrive to 30 Rockefeller Plaza Saturday and celebrate its landing with a "Meet the Tree" event.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Meet the Tree will kick off the festive season with a celebration of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" that includes free themed activities like writing letters to Santa, Peanuts coloring, and a make-your-own Snoopy with Build-A-Bear.

Visitors can also meet Snoopy and Santa, sing holiday tunes with Broadway stars, and more.

The Rockefeller Center tree will stay up through mid-January before being turned into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, according to the center.

At the official Dec. 3 lighting ceremony, 50,000 colorful LEDs will cover the branches, crowned by a 900-pound star with 3 million crystals, the center said.

Here's everything happening on Saturday at Rockefeller Center.

Holiday Workshop With FAO Schwartz And Peanuts

• What: Kids can get crafty with Peanuts coloring sheets, scratch-off ornaments, and a Build-A-Bear “heart ceremony” featuring Snoopy bears (available for purchase). Families can also meet Snoopy, write letters to Santa, and take home handmade keepsakes.
• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Free. Walk-ins welcome. Optional registration here.

Art Sundae With Cynthia Talmadge

• What: On the South Plaza, kids can design "Walk of Fame" stars out of colored sand, inspired by artist Cynthia Talmadge’s Alan Smithee exhibit. Pre-registration is required.
• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Free, registration required here.

Top Of The Rock Holiday Celebration

• What: Visit the observation deck for a special visit from Snoopy, a reading of "Razzle Dazzle the Green-Nosed Reindeer," a Broadway-style sing-along, and more.
• When: 12-3 p.m.
• Tickets here.

Santa At 5 Acres

• What: Under 30 Rock, families can stop by to meet Santa and pick up a complimentary Chip City cookie, while supplies last.
• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.