Crowds Flock to Tiny Massachusetts Town to Send Off New York's Rockefeller Christmas Tree

This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is creating a buzz as it comes from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, bringing a delightful New England vibe to New York City.

The impressive Norway spruce is 67 years old and will make its journey to the bustling city after being cut down.

The tree will travel approximately 140 miles, arriving in Manhattan on November 9. It will be decorated with 50,000 multi-colored lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski star. The grand lighting ceremony will take place during a live television broadcast on December 4, and the tree will remain on display until mid-January.

Locals have gathered in large numbers to witness this special moment. The tree, which was planted in honor of the homeowner's nieces, stands as a symbol of pride for the small town of just 1,400 residents.

Bernie Fallon, a resident of West Stockbridge, shared the excitement of the community, saying, "There's a lot of people coming to town that are interested in this. So people are at the house taking pictures and excited about it. The talk of the town is quite high."

This is the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from Massachusetts since 1959, and many locals are embracing the occasion.

Another resident, Peter Giles Thorne, expressed his joy by calling it a "wonderful story" that a hometown tree is making its way to the iconic location.

Visitors from afar, such as Michael and Tania Hardinger from Denmark, also made the journey to see the tree before it heads south. They took a scenic route that extended their travel time but were thrilled to have found the tree.

Michael Hardinger remarked, "We found the tree, and we are very happy." The couple's passion for Christmas inspired their trip, and they mentioned they leave Copenhagen each year with two or even three Christmas trees in their home.

Ahead of their return to New York for holiday shopping and further visits, they expressed their delight in witnessing the tree before it was cut down. "It's so beautiful, and it’s fantastic. To see it here alive before it’s been killed is thrilling and so much fun," Hardinger said.

Christmas, tree, West Stockbridge