New York City, New York, United States
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
New York's giant spruce, a Swarovski star, and a skating rink, lit from the week after Thanksgiving into January.
The straight answer
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and stays up into January, and the best time to see it is early on a weekday morning.
The tree is lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving in a televised ceremony and stays lit through the holidays, into early to mid January. It is one of the most famous holiday sights in the world, a huge Norway spruce, typically more than 70 feet tall, covered in tens of thousands of LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star, standing above the skating rink at Rockefeller Center.
The tradition began in 1931, when construction workers building Rockefeller Center put up a small tree, and the official tree lighting has been held since 1933. Trees are usually donated by homeowners, and after the season the wood is milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
The catch is crowds. Evenings in December, especially weekends and the week before Christmas, pack the plaza and surrounding sidewalks with a crush of people, with police-managed lines and one-way foot traffic. Visiting early in the morning, or after the holidays in early January, is a completely different experience.
The event, explained
The lighting ceremony is broadcast live on NBC with musical performances, and the viewing area close to the tree is restricted; most people who show up see it from far back on the sidewalks. It is more exciting on TV than in person unless you enjoy crowds for their own sake.
Once lit, the tree shines from early morning until around midnight every day, with extended hours on some holidays. The Rink at Rockefeller Center below it runs timed sessions, pricey and popular in December.
The surroundings are part of the visit: the Channel Gardens angels leading to the tree, holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, the Saks Fifth Avenue light show across the street, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes nearby, and the view down from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
How to play it right
- 01Go early in the morning. Between about 6am and 8am on a weekday, the tree is lit and the plaza is nearly empty, which is ideal for photos.
- 02Avoid the lighting night unless you want the event itself. Streets are closed and packed for hours, and you will be far from the tree.
- 03Visit between Christmas and mid January for thinner crowds; the tree is still up in early January and the city is quieter after New Year's Day.
- 04Book the rink in advance for December sessions, and expect high prices. Early morning and weekday sessions are the easiest.
- 05Book Midtown hotels early for December. Rates are among the highest of the year from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
- 06Dress for cold. December evenings in Manhattan are often near 35F (2C), with wind between the buildings.
With kids in tow
- The tree is a classic kids' outing; go early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid being crushed in evening crowds with small children.
- Skating at the rink is memorable but expensive; Bryant Park's Winter Village rink, a short walk away, is a common alternative with a holiday market.
- Pair it with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or Fifth Avenue window displays for a full holiday day.
Book your stay for Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rockefeller Center Christmas TreeOpens a hotel search for Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Rockefeller Center Christmas TreeWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Rockefeller Center Christmas TreeTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, quick answers
When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit?
On the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, in a televised ceremony. The tree stays lit through the holidays into January.
How long does the Rockefeller Center tree stay up?
Usually into early to mid January. Rockefeller Center announces the exact date the tree comes down each season.
What is the best time to see the Rockefeller tree?
Early in the morning on a weekday, roughly 6am to 8am. The tree is lit and the plaza is nearly empty.
Can you go to the Rockefeller tree lighting?
Yes, it is free and open to the public, but the area near the tree is restricted and crowds fill surrounding streets hours before. Most people watch from far back.
What hours is the Rockefeller Center tree lit?
From early morning until around midnight daily, with extended hours on some holidays. Check Rockefeller Center's site for current hours.
Make a trip of it: New York City
The best time to visit New York City
Best: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
The best time to visit New York City is late April through June or September through early November: comfortable walking weather, the full cultural calendar running, and hotel rates below the December holiday spike.
Also in November
Northern Lights Season
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September through March, whenever nights are dark; the equinox months and deep winter each have their own case
Dia de Muertos in Oaxaca
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Builds through late October and peaks on November 1 and 2, with celebrations spanning roughly the last week of October into early November
Diwali in India
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October or November, on the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartika; the date moves with the lunar calendar
Day of the Dead in Mexico City
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November 1 and 2 every year, with parades, altars, and events building through the second half of October
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