The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York

The History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

• The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is New York’s largest Christmas tree. Each year, this giant tree is installed on Rockefeller Plaza for the holiday season. It stands between the ice skating rink and the Comcast Building, which houses the Top of the Rock observation deck, in the heart of Midtown. It’s one of the most iconic sights to see when visiting New York at Christmas.
• The tradition of a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center dates back to the winter of 1931, during construction of the Rockefeller Center buildings. Workers started the tradition by decorating a tree with garland to brighten the construction site during the holidays. The timing was especially meaningful, as the United States was in the grip of the Great Depression, following the stock market crash of 1929.
• The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was originally quite modest. Things changed in 1933 with the installation of a much larger tree and, more importantly, the creation of a formal lighting ceremony.
• Since then, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been lit with great ceremony each year in November. The ceremony features musical performances and appearances by New York personalities. The entire event is broadcast live on American television.

When to See the Rockefeller Center Tree

• The Rockefeller Center tree will be installed between November 7 and 14, 2026. The exact date is not announced far in advance to avoid overwhelming crowds on the day the truck arrives. The delivery is typically scheduled for a Saturday, when traffic in Manhattan is lighter. The tree usually measures between 22 and 29 meters (72 and 95 feet) tall. It is then surrounded by scaffolding and decorated.
• The tree is adorned with 50,000 multicolored LED lights running along more than 8 kilometers (5 miles) of electrical cable. A sparkling Swarovski star measuring 3 meters (10 feet) across crowns the top. The star itself is made up of 3 million small crystals.
• The scaffolding is removed for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be unveiled on November 26, 2026. However, the official lighting ceremony doesn’t take place until December 2, 2026. This marks the official start of the holiday season in New York.
• Visit the Rockefeller Center after dark to see the tree fully lit. For the best experience, approach from Fifth Avenue, so the tree appears suddenly before you. Walk down the avenue toward the ice skating rink. You won’t be alone, but the sight is truly magical.
• The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree remains in place until January 9, 2027. This date varies each year. The tree is typically taken down in the second week of January.

How to Attend the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony

• The next Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 2, 2026. Don’t miss this event if you’re in New York that day.
• The ceremony begins around 7 pm, followed by performances. The tree lights up between 9 pm and 10 pm. Keep in mind that everyone wants to attend this event, so you’ll need to arrive very early.
• Arrive in early afternoon if you want the best spots closest to the tree. The first spectators start gathering as early as 1 pm. You’ll then wait in the cold winter weather, and leaving your spot to use a restroom means losing your place.
• If you arrive around 5 pm, you’ll find the area very crowded and may not be able to get any closer. Police barricades are set up throughout Rockefeller Plaza and surrounding streets to manage the crowd. Once capacity is reached, access to Rockefeller Center is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an admission fee to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?

No, viewing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is free. You don’t need to buy tickets. It’s a free attraction offered by the Rockefeller Center.

Can you get close to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?

No, there is a safety distance to maintain from the tree. This ensures everyone can enjoy the tree and take photos.

What happens to the Rockefeller Center tree after the holidays?

Since 2007, the tree has been cut into lumber and donated to the charity Habitat for Humanity. This organization builds homes for people in need around the world. Lumber from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been used to build or restore homes across the United States, including in the New York area, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Mississippi. Homeowners who receive the lumber take great pride in it: each piece is stamped to show its unique and prestigious origin. The spirit of Christmas lives on.