Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago

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How did the Rockefeller Center tree become the most famous Christmas tree in the world? 

Find out as @UrbanistAriel brings us along to Rockefeller Center, where we learn the origin story of this tradition, which stretches back to 1931.⁠

You can see the tree in person here in NYC through mid January 2026.

About this series: #FoundedByNYC Origin Stories celebrates the places and people that make New York City great.⁠ It’s part of NYC Tourism’s commemoration of New York City’s 400th anniversary this year. #NYC400⁠

Visual description: This POV video is shot throughout Rockefeller Plaza, with numerous views of the decorated Christmas tree from different angles.