When will the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree light in 2025
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is an annual holiday tradition in New York City. The exact date and time vary each year, but the tree lighting ceremony usually takes place on a Wednesday or Thursday in late November, following Thanksgiving. The tree is typically lit in the early evening, with the lights often flickering on after sunset. While the precise timing and schedule can change, the event is generally held near the end of November. Check the official Rockefeller Center website in September or October each year for the announced tree lighting date, time, and viewing details.
History and significance of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dates back to the Great Depression in 1931, when workers at Rockefeller Center erected a small balsam fir and decorated it with simple, handmade ornaments. The tree-lighting tradition emerged a few years later and has continued nearly every year since, becoming a symbol of holiday spirit in New York City. Over the decades, the tree has grown in size and prominence, sourced from various regions including Nova Scotia and New England, and decorated with thousands of lights designed by artists and schoolchildren. The ceremony has evolved to include musical performances, celebrity appearances, and a broader public celebration while maintaining its core role as a seasonal centerpiece.
Where to watch the tree lighting live and on TV
You can watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting live on several official and international broadcasters. In the U.S., NBC typically broadcasts the annual "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Lighting of the Tree" special, which includes performances and coverage of the tree lighting. Elsewhere, the event is often carried by global networks. You can also watch the lighting online via NBC's live stream on the network's official website and app, or through the Rockefeller Center's official digital channels. Cord-cutters can use streaming services that carry NBC to watch the broadcast live.
How to attend the lighting in person
Attending the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in person requires planning ahead, as tickets are needed and access is limited. Tickets are typically distributed via lottery or raffle announced by Rockefeller Center in the weeks leading up to the event. Winners are selected randomly, and tickets are free, though availability is limited. Winners must claim tickets and follow specific instructions about arrival time, security, and prohibited items. If lottery tickets are not available, you can still gather with the general public in nearby areas, such as Rockefeller Plaza, for the ceremony viewing and post-lighting festivities.
How the tree lighting time is determined
The timing of the lighting is scheduled to occur after sunset in New York City, usually in the early evening, to ensure the tree displays its lights at their brightest. The specific day is typically chosen in late November, favoring a weekday—often Wednesday or Thursday—to balance tradition, work schedules, and holiday travel plans. Organizers coordinate the event with NBC’s broadcast schedule and city logistics, including street closures and security planning. Exact start times are confirmed closer to the event and are announced publicly via the official Rockefeller Center website and media outlets.
Alternative ways to experience the lighting
For those who cannot attend in person or watch on TV, there are multiple ways to experience the tree lighting. Live streams are widely available on official digital channels and social platforms. On-site viewing opportunities exist in surrounding areas, and many hotels, restaurants, and public spaces in Midtown Manhattan host watch parties. The tree remains illuminated each night from lighting through the holiday season, allowing visitors to enjoy the display at their convenience even if they miss the ceremony.
Practical tips for attending or watching the lighting
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical timing | Early evening, after sunset, usually in late November |
| Likely days of week | Wednesday or Thursday |
| How to find the date | Check the official Rockefeller Center website in fall |
| TV coverage in U.S. | NBC special around Thanksgiving |
| In-person attendance | Free lottery tickets; winners announced weeks ahead |
| Live stream | Available on official NBC and Rockefeller digital channels |
To maximize your experience, plan ahead whether you are attending in person, watching at home, or viewing online. If entering the lottery for tickets, submit your entry when announced and monitor your email for confirmation. For at-home viewing, check your local NBC affiliate or cable schedule for exact broadcast time, and set reminders so you don’t miss the lighting. The tree remains on display through the holiday season, offering nightly illumination and photo opportunities long after the ceremonial lighting.