Watch Oneonta Tree Being Cut Down To Begin Trip To Rockefeller Center

The 75 foot tall Norway Spruce is on its way from Oneonta to Rockefeller Center.

The tree was cut down on Route 23 Thursday in Oneonta and began its journey to New York City with a large police escort down Interstate 88.

The annual Christmas tree will arrive Saturday, November 14th in Rockefeller Center where preparations will begin for the holiday season. Over 50,000 lights will be strung around the tree and a Swarovski Star that includes 3 million Swarovski crystals will be placed on top.

This isn't the first Rockefeller Christmas tree to come from Oneonta. In 2016 the Rockefeller Center Norway Spruce came from Country Club Road in Oneonta, NY.

The 88th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be on display between West 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues. The official Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for December 2nd. There will be no public access to this year’s tree lighting ceremony, however you can watch “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC from 7pm to 10pm.

The Oneonta tree that is 45 feet wide, and weighs 11 tons is between 75 and 80 years old.  You can see it all lit up for the holiday from 6am to 12am starting December 3rd. On Christmas Day, the lights shine for a full 24 hours.  On New Year’s Eve, visiting hours will be from 6 am to 9 pm.

You can get more details of the honored tradition at Rockefellercenter.com and watch as police escort the tree to its final destination for the holidays.