MIDTOWN — Rockefeller Center is set to get spruced up Friday with the arrival of its iconic Christmas tree, heralding the start of New York's holiday season.
The 74-foot Norway Spruce that was cut down in Mifflinville, Penn., on Wednesday arrived in Manhattan and was erected at 30 Rockefeller Center as the tourist destination's official Christmas tree first thing Friday morning.
The 10-ton tree will be driven to New York, raised off its trailer and hoisted in the air by a giant crane at approximately 10 a.m..
At the ceremony, a spike will be driven into the trunk of the 75-year-old tree by the Kellers, the Pennsylvania family that donated the tree this year.
For Nancy Keller, it's significant that the annual tradition occurs on Veteran's Day this year because of her late husband Doyle's 20-year service with the United States Air Force.
"Doyle’s time in the Air Force and his being a veteran was a big part of who he was, who our family is,” Keller said in a statement Wednesday.
“I know he would have enjoyed all of the enthusiasm around our tree being chosen and would have really enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren so excited.”
Manhattanites and other visitors will be able to enjoy the towering tree in all it's glory — fully lit and topped with a star containing 25,000 Swarovski crystals — starting Nov. 30. at the tree-lighting service, scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
People can view the tree each day from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and for all 24 hours of Christmas Day. On New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The last day to see the lighted tree will be Jan. 7, 2012.
