The tradition of removing the Christmas tree from Rockefeller Center in New York City dates back to 1933, when it was first installed. Since then, the removal of the tree has become a symbol of the holiday season coming to an end. The tree is typically taken down in early January, but the exact date varies each year depending on the calendar. It's a bittersweet moment for many New Yorkers, as the tree's removal signifies the end of the holiday season and the start of a new year.