The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was lit in 1933, and it has since become an iconic symbol of the holiday season in New York City. The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree began with the construction of the Rockefeller Center complex, which was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. as a symbol of progress and hope for the city during the Great Depression. The first tree was a 20-foot Norway Spruce that was donated by a local farmer, and since then, the tree has grown in size and stature, becoming an annual spectacle that draws millions of people to New York City during the holiday season.