Rockefeller Christmas Tree Location
The Rockefeller Christmas tree is located at Rockefeller Center, between 49th and 50th Streets, Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The tree sits on the Channel Gardens, the pedestrian plaza between the British Empire Building and La Maison Francaise. The official address is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112. The site is owned and managed by the Rockefeller Center Management division of Tishman Speyer, the real estate firm that operates the complex Tishman Speyer.
Rockefeller Center is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually. The tree lighting ceremony draws global media coverage and is broadcast live on NBC. The location is easily accessible by subway, with the 49th Street station on the B, D, F, and M lines directly beneath the complex. Nearby landmarks include Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, and the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Tree Selection and Dimensions
The Rockefeller Christmas tree is typically a Norway spruce sourced from state parks and private lands across the northeastern United States. The tree is selected by Rockefeller Center's forestry team based on height, shape, and branch density. The chosen tree is transported on a flatbed truck and erected by a specialized rigging crew in mid-November. The tree is usually between 70 and 90 feet tall, with the 2024 tree standing at approximately 76 feet Forbes.
The tree is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star, which weighs about 600 pounds and measures 3.5 feet in diameter. The lighting ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in New York City. The tree remains on display until early January, when it is taken down and the wood is milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity builds Habitat for Humanity.
Visitor Information and Viewing Tips
Rockefeller Center is open to the public daily, and the tree is accessible without a ticket during daylight and evening hours. The best viewing times are after sunset when the lights are illuminated. The tree is surrounded by the ice rink, the stores, and the pedestrian plaza, which hosts the holiday shopping season. Visitors should expect security screening and bag checks at entry points.
The tree lighting ceremony is held on a Wednesday in late November and is free to attend, though advance registration is required. NBC broadcasts the ceremony live, and the event features performances by major artists. The surrounding area is patrolled by the New York City Police Department and Rockefeller Center security. For the most current details on tree lighting dates and access rules, check the official Rockefeller Center website rockefellercenter.com.