When to Expect the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is an annual holiday tradition in Midtown Manhattan, usually held on a Wednesday or Thursday in late November or early December. The tree is typically raised in mid-November, with the lighting ceremony occurring the following week. NBC broadcasts the event live from Rockefeller Plaza, featuring musical performances and celebrity appearances. While the exact date shifts each year to align with the holiday calendar, the event reliably takes place after Thanksgiving and before most major winter holiday travel.
2025 Lighting Date and On-Site Times
While official announcements for 2025 have not yet been released, historical patterns indicate the lighting will likely occur on a weekday evening in late November or early December. Arrive early for on-site experiences, as Rockefeller Center opens public access to the tree approximately 45–60 minutes before the televised lighting, often around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. local time. NBC typically broadcasts live beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, with the tree illuminated shortly after the national anthem and a performance.
Typical 2024 Timeline for Reference
| Event | Date | Time (ET, typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Tree arrives & is erected | Mid-November | — |
| Public tree viewing begins | 1–2 weeks before lighting | Daytime hours |
| NBC live broadcast begins | Lighting day | 7:00 p.m. |
| Tree lighting | Lighting day | Shortly after broadcast start |
| After-show ice skating | Lighting day | Ongoing through holiday season |
How to Watch the Lighting Live
- NBC television (check local listings)
- Peacock streaming (with ads; premium tiers available)
- Rockefeller Center official website live stream (when available)
- Social platforms (select performances and red carpet segments may stream)
What Happens at the Event
Expect a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with a large crowd gathering around the tree. Street closures and security screenings typically begin two hours before the lighting. Seating is general admission, and blankets or chairs are allowed. Following the lighting, ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink continues under the illuminated tree, which remains decorated and lit nightly through the season.
Tree Selection and History
The tree is a Norway spruce selected from forests in the New York–New Jersey region, often standing over 70 feet tall. Since 1933, the tree has been featured in the window display at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and since 1997 it has been lit for the holiday season. The tradition expanded in 2012 with a second tree at 45 Rockefeller Plaza and again in 2024 with a third tree at 650 Fifth Avenue, symbolizing renewal and inclusivity.
Practical Visitor Information
- Arrive early: Expect large crowds; arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the lighting.
- Security: Expect bag checks and limited items; professional cameras may require inspection.
- Accessibility: Designated viewing areas are available; contact Rockefeller Center for specific accommodations.
- Weather: Dress warmly; the plaza is open-air and temperatures can be near or below freezing in winter.
Holiday Atmosphere and Nearby Attractions
Rockefeller Center is part of a larger festive district that includes Radio City Music Hall, 50 Cent Christmas, and Fifth Avenue holiday windows. Nearby dining and shopping options remain open late, and street performances add to the seasonal ambiance. After the lighting, many visitors enjoy ice skating at the Center’s iconic rink, which operates through the winter months under the glow of the illuminated tree.
