NEW YORK – The new Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrived in Manhattan on Saturday, cheered on by about 100 spectators.
The 82-foot Norway spruce, weighing an estimated 14 tons, was erected in Rockefeller Plaza, signaling the official launch of the city’s 2022 holiday festivities.
The tree, estimated to be as many as 90 years old, was cut down Thursday on property owned by Neil Lebowitz in Queensbury, about 200 miles away, CBS News reported.
“To put it simply, it’s a surreal experience, you know. One day it’s standing, and the next day it’s on the road, and it’s here,” Lebowitz told the network, adding, “Now it’s a special tree, and it’s something we can all share around the world, whoever see it.”
According to CBS News, the tree will be decorated with 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star on top.
According to The Associated Press, the 900-pound star is festooned with 3 million crystals.
A tree-lighting ceremony is slated for Nov. 30.
Officials confirmed to the AP that the tree will be milled into lumber after the holidays and donated to Habitat for Humanity.
– The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lifted into place after arriving in the plaza in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. About 100 spectators watched the lifting process of the 82-foot tall, 90-year-old Norway Spruce in the morning despite the rain. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
