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From backyard giant to Midtown jewel: Journey of the Rock Center Christmas tree

Here's a look at the transformation as a tree from humble roots becomes an international symbol of Christmas.

/ 11 PHOTOS
Image: Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

Thousands crowded the sidewalks of New York City as the 2017 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was lit for the first time on Wednesday.

Above: A crane stands beside this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a 75-foot Norway Spruce in the yard of Jason Perrin in State College, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 9.

— Gene J. Puskar / AP
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The 12-ton tree is moved to a flatbed truck after being cut down.

— Gene J. Puskar / AP
Image: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives In New York City

The tree arrives in Rockefeller Plaza on Nov. 11.

— Stephanie Keith / Getty Images
Image: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives In New York City

It is the 86th Christmas tree to grace the plaza.

— Stephanie Keith / Getty Images
Image: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives In New York City

A crane hoists the tree upright.

— Stephanie Keith / Getty Images
Image: US-ENTERTAINMENT-CHRISTMAS TREE

Workers secure the Swarovski Star before it is raised to the top of the tree on Nov. 16.
— Angela Weiss / AFP - Getty Images
Image: 2017 Swarovski Star Raising to the Top of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

 The star is comprised of 25,000 crystals with one million facets. 

— Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is adorned with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights after the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 29.
— Diane Bondareff / AP Images for Tishman Speyer
Image: A person works in the office during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center in the Manhattan borough of New York City

A man works in an office during the tree-lighting ceremony.
— Carlo Allegri / Reuters
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The tree will be on display until Jan. 7. After the holidays it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

— Diane Bondareff / AP Images for Tishman Speyer
Rockefeller tree

Construction workers line up for pay beside the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 1931. St. Patrick's Cathedral is visible in the background on Fifth Avenue.

The plaza's first tree was put up by workers building the complex during the Great Depression. The first official tree lighting was in 1933.

 

— AP
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