Empire State Review Team 
New York City, November 4, 2024 — The holiday season officially kicked off today as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived in Midtown Manhattan, drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness the start of New York’s Winter Festival. This year’s tree, a towering 80-foot Norway spruce from upstate New York, will be decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a dazzling Swarovski star.
The arrival of the tree coincided with the opening of the Winter Festival, which includes ice skating, holiday markets, and light displays throughout the city. “This is the most magical time of year in New York,” said Mayor Eric Adams at the unveiling. “The Rockefeller Tree symbolizes hope, joy, and togetherness.”
Local businesses are gearing up for the busy season, with restaurants and shops near Rockefeller Plaza offering special holiday-themed menus and merchandise. Visitors from around the world have already begun flocking to the city, boosting tourism after a challenging few years.
The official tree lighting ceremony, scheduled for November 29, will feature performances by top artists and is expected to draw millions of viewers in person and on TV. The Winter Festival will run through early January, making New York City the holiday capital of the world.
