The 73rd annual lighting ceremony for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree takes place tonight, and marks the official start of Christmas panic. Any shopping you have left to do is now virtually guaranteed to be done with a human density high enough to create an atmosphere of constant discomfort and barely supressed rage. That aside the lighting ceremony itself will be great to catch on the tube, if perchance you elect to actually trek up to Rockefeller center to watch it there are a few things you should know.
First off should you be quizzed by a youngin' (yours or otherwise) about tree trivia, here's all you need know.
- The tree is a Norway Spruce
- Had we not chopped it down it may have lived for over 100 years.
- It's usually about 70-90ft tall
- More than 5 miles of electric wire and 25,000 bulbs are used to illuminate the tree.
Second, if you want a really good view, get there early 3pm at the latest and stake out a spot, bring food and really warm clothes. But, ideally skip the idea of a good seat altogether and just catch it from the periphery. Tens of thousands of people show up and the center of the crowd can be crushing.
Performing this year:
The Rockettes, Chris Isaak, Jessica Simpson , Kenny Chesney, Hilary Duff Clay Aiken, and Nick Lachey.
