Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Lighting in late November or early December, tree up until early January
Approximate window. The organisers publish the exact days a few months ahead.
What it is
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1931, in the Great Depression, when construction workers building the complex pooled their money for a 20 foot balsam fir and decorated it with garlands made by their families. The first formal lighting followed in 1933. Today it is a Norway spruce between 69 and 100 feet tall carrying around 50,000 LED lights. It is raised in the plaza in November and stays lit into early January.
What to expect
The lighting ceremony night is the single most crowded evening of the New York year in that plaza and you will see more of it on television than in person. Every other night of the season the tree is simply there, lit until late, and free to walk up to. Go after 10 pm or before 8 am and you get the photograph that everyone else queues an hour for. The rink below it needs a paid timed ticket.
Getting there
Take the B, D, F or M to 47th-50th Streets Rockefeller Center, which surfaces inside the complex, or the E and M to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street. From Grand Central it is a ten minute walk west. During the season Fifth Avenue sidewalks are managed one way in the evenings, so approaching from Sixth Avenue is usually faster.
Best tours and tickets
Curated from Viator. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it free to see the Rockefeller Center tree?
When is the tree lit each year?
What is the best time to visit without crowds?
What happens to the tree afterwards?
Sources: rockefellercenter.com
