The 2020 tree, versus the 2021 edition
(Picture: Getty Images)The annual Rockefeller tree-lighting ceremony took place on Wednesday night - and it was dramatically different from last year’s event.
Since 1931, a giant tree has been selected to stand in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza. The lighting ceremony has been broadcast live around the world since 1951, and usually involves multiple musical performances.
This year’s ceremony included performances from singers like Jose Feliciano, Carrie Underwood, Harry Connick Jr, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Pentatonix, Mickey Guyton, and Rob Thomas, who each performed Christmas standards. The Radio City Rockettes performed their annual number just before the tree was lit at 10pm.
The tree was officially lit by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Syper, the company that owns and operates Rockefeller Center.
But it’s the contrast with last year’s tree that has people talking.
Remember 2020? One of the worst years ever, with a tree to match.
Last year’s tree was a 75 foot tall, 11-ton Norway spruce that reminded many people of the famous Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Upon arrival, photos were released in which the tree looked sparse and unkempt.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree: a 2020/2021 retrospective. pic.twitter.com/5aduJbdh3H
— @jnonyc (@jnonyc1) November 4, 2021
Many commented that the tree perfectly summed up 2020, which was widely regarded as a universally bad year.
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In true 2020 form, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree looks like it tried to cut its own hair pic.twitter.com/HEV0OImQ7u
— Chris Ryan 🏳️🌈 (@HiChrisRyan) November 15, 2020
Rockefeller Tree trying to make a run against the Fountain Square Tree for the charlie brownest tree 2020@CincyProblems pic.twitter.com/2dSvkk6r49
— LM KE (@fabkks) November 15, 2020
The Twitter account for the tree defended itself against the backlash, stating that it only looked that way because of its two-day journey to New York City.
Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh? Just wait until I get my lights on! See you on December 2! 😉
— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) November 18, 2020
An owl was also found trapped within its branches. Named ‘Rocky’ by rescuers, the owl was safely released back into nature.
This year, the tree is an elegant 79 feet tall and 46 feet wide Norway spruce from Elkton, Maryland. It’s 80 years old and weighs 12 tons. The tree was topped with a Swarovski Star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, which includes 3 million Swarovski crystals on 70 triangular spikes. The star weighs around 900 pounds.
The tree will be taken down in January, and then milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity.
