Here are a few things you may not know about the Rockefeller Center

🎄 1. The Christmas Tree Tradition Began in the Great Depression

The very first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was put up in 1931—by construction workers! They pooled their money to buy a 20-foot balsam fir and decorated it with homemade garlands. Today, the tree is a massive Norway spruce, sometimes over 80 feet tall, and it’s watched by millions when lit.

🎥 2. Home of TV History

Rockefeller Center is the headquarters of NBC, where shows like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and 30 Rock (named after the address, 30 Rockefeller Plaza) are filmed. It’s the birthplace of American television!

🧊 3. Ice Rink Was a Last-Minute Idea

The famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, now a winter tradition, was actually created as a temporary promotion to attract shoppers in 1936. It was so popular, it became permanent—and has been in use ever since.

🌎 4. International Flavors

The flags surrounding the plaza change depending on the season and events. Usually, they represent the 193 UN member states, but during certain holidays or events, they are swapped out for themed designs—like all-American flags for Independence Day.

👀 5. Top of the Rock Has Breathtaking Views

The Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers panoramic views of New York City, including an unbeatable line of sight to the Empire State Building and Central Park. It’s often preferred over the Empire State’s own deck for photography! Because when you’re on the Empire State deck, you lose the view of the Empire State!

📦 6. It’s the first modern city within a city!

Rockefeller Center was originally conceived as a hub for media and distribution, with companies like RCA, Time Inc., and the Associated Press. It was designed to be a modern city within a city!

Join our tours to find out more:

*****