When Does the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Go Up
The tree installation typically begins in mid-November, with the official lighting ceremony held on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The exact date shifts each year based on the Thanksgiving calendar, and the tree remains lit until early January. The lighting event is broadcast nationally and draws thousands of spectators to Midtown Manhattan. For the latest official schedule, check the Rockefeller Center website rockefellercenter.com.
Construction crews erect the tree over several days, with crane operations starting after the previous tree is removed. The lighting ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in New York City and is attended by celebrity performers and city officials. The event is coordinated with NBC, which broadcasts the ceremony live to millions of viewers.
Tree Specifications and Selection Process
The chosen tree is usually a Norway spruce between 70 and 90 feet tall, sourced from a donated tree in the northeastern United States. A lighting design team from the Rockefeller Center team selects the tree based on shape, density, and trunk straightness. The tree is transported on a special flatbed trailer and lifted into place by a crane that is assembled on-site Forbes.
Decorations include over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star or snowflake at the top. The star can weigh more than 500 pounds and measures several feet across. The lighting setup is engineered to be visible from multiple blocks away and to meet strict energy efficiency standards.
Sponsors, Broadcast Partners, and Public Access
The tree lighting is sponsored by major corporate partners, with media coverage led by NBC as the broadcast partner. The event is free and open to the public, though entry requires passing through security checkpoints. Visitors can view the tree daily from late November until early January, with the tree remaining lit nightly until the final day of the season NYC Official Guide.
The surrounding plaza features ice skating, holiday shops, and seasonal food vendors, making the area a major tourist destination. The tree lighting ceremony is one of the most-watched holiday events in the United States, with millions of viewers tuning in via the NBC broadcast. For additional details on the tree location and visitor guidelines, visit the official Rockefeller Center page rockefellercenter.com.