What does the Rockefeller Christmas Tree really stand for?

Every year, as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up, so do social media feeds, news headlines, and the hearts of millions who find comfort in its colossal beauty.

For decades, it’s been a symbol of festive cheer, nostalgia, and the magic of New York City during the holidays.

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, an enduring icon of holiday tradition, also embodies the stark divide between spectacle and reality.

It's a cultural landmark rooted in extravagance and, arguably, a symbol of wealth inequality.

At its first appearance in 1931, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree was a modest symbol of holiday spirit erected by workers during the Great Depression.

But now, it's become a global emblem of festive opulence.

This year, the tree is a nearly 70-year-old Norway Spruce that hails from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The 74-foot, 11-ton evergreen has over 50,000 multicoloured LED lights, strung on five miles of wire. It's topped with a 900-pound star with 3 million Swarovski crystals and 70 light-up spikes.

There are no clear answers on how much money the decorations cost.

But the tree's transportation alone is said to cost upwards of $70,000.

So, from what I can tell, this tree is expensive ASF.

And while 750,000 people tune in daily over the holiday season to marvel at its glow, the streets just blocks away tell a different story.

Over half of the population in New York City live below the poverty line or with low income. In fact, poverty in NYC is nearly twice as high (23%) as the national poverty rate, which sits at 12%.

It’s hard to ignore the painful disparity at play.

New York City, for all its shimmering façades, struggles with homelessness, food insecurity, and a growing wealth gap. Meanwhile, a sparkling, multi-million-dollar tree stands as a 70-foot reminder of what our culture prioritises – and what it doesn’t.

The logistics alone paint a perfect picture of that.

A single tree, often 80+ years old, is felled and transported hundreds of miles to Manhattan, accompanied by massive media fanfare.

Lit up with over 50,000 LED lights, the spectacle consumes electricity that could potentially power homes for weeks.

The Swarovski star atop the tree is an opulent cherry on a very expensive cake—a glimmering reminder of the exclusivity the brand represents.

The hard truth is the tradition of the tree is a giant display of abundance, in a city where 1.5 million people struggle to survive.

Make no mistake, the Rockefeller Tree is as much a marketing triumph as it is a cultural tradition.

The tree's dazzling presence has been intentionally transformed into a brand synonymous with Christmas itself.

Retailers, tourism boards, and even streaming platforms latch onto its glowing allure to create content, sell products, and inspire travel.

Meanwhile, only a few blocks away, some of New York City’s most vulnerable populations face a harsh winter. For them, the tree’s glow isn’t comforting—it’s an unattainable luxury, a shining example of resources spent on spectacle rather than solutions.

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree once symbolised community and resilience. Now, it's the ultimate backdrop for luxury retail.

Surrounding the tree are flagship stores selling watches, jewellery, and clothing at prices that would make Scrooge blush.

The irony? The tree itself was initially decorated by Depression-era workers with homemade ornaments. It embodied a spirit of frugality and togetherness that feels absent in its current incarnation.

The Rockefeller tree is a holiday icon, yes. But it’s also, a study in contrasts.

It represents tradition, yet it’s a tool for modern consumerism. It’s an emblem of unity, yet it’s exclusive by nature, surrounded by wealth and luxury.

This duality mirrors the broader complexities of the holiday season. And, as brands, we must ask: How do you navigate these contradictions in a way that feels authentic?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree serves as a reminder of what we hold dear, and what still needs changing.

After all, true holiday spirit isn’t just about looking up; it’s about looking around.

-Sophie, Writer