15 Nov Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center

The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on November 29, signaling the start of the holiday season.

All year long, Rockefeller Center stands as a recognizable part of the New York City skyline and a storied part of American history. But as the holidays descend on Midtown Manhattan, Rockefeller Center transforms into the city’s favorite winter wonderland. And its beacon is a perfectly pristine piece of nature.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is different every year, with each one seemingly more glorious than the last. (The very first Christmas Tree was a humble 20-foot Balsam Fir). The Norway Spruce has become Rockefeller Center’s tree species of choice over time, and this year’s hails from Vestal, New York. Donated by the McGinley family, the tree stands at 80 feet tall and weighs 12 tons.

When is the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center?
Rockefeller Center will celebrate its 91st Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29, 2023. A few minutes before 10pm EST, the Tree’s 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski star topper will be set aglow for the first time in the season, officially ushering in the holidays and festive cheer.

November 29 will mark a special moment in history — one you won’t want to miss. For those of us who can’t witness the magic in person, here are all the ways you can catch the night’s festivities at home.

Watch on NBC
NBC Studios is headquartered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, so it’s only natural that NBC is Rockefeller Center’s home network. Airing at 8pm EST, the live national broadcast of Christmas in Rockefeller Center will be hosted by Kelly Clarkson, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. Viewers can tune into NBC 4, and the night will also be simulcasted on Peacock.

Tune in on Instagram
If you aren’t already, follow Rockefeller Center on Instagram. The Rockefeller Center social media team will share live snaps of the night on its Stories and upload a Reel of the Tree’s inaugural light-up moment immediately after.

Check the official Rockefeller Center website for more information
After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 5am to midnight on Center Plaza

Location:

Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111

Image & Content Credit: Rockefeller Center