Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2023: Here's what you need to know

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the iconic Rockefeller Center is gearing up for its annual holiday tradition, set to light up the festive season with more than 50,000 multicolored lights adorning a magnificent 12-ton Norway spruce. Since its arrival from Vestal, New York, crews have meticulously decorated the tree, wrapping it in approximately five miles of LED lights and crowning it with a dazzling 900-pound star adorned with three million Swarovski crystals.

When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting?

The grand illumination is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, marking the beginning of the celebratory season. This enchanting event will feature a lineup of esteemed performers, including Cher, Barry Manilow, Keke Palmer, and more, adding musical magic to the evening. For those unable to attend in person, NBC's special program "Christmas at Rockefeller Center," hosted by Kelly Clarkson, will broadcast the event live, providing an opportunity for viewers worldwide to partake in the festivities.


Where can you watch it online?

The celebrations will extend beyond the physical gathering, with multiple streaming options available. Alongside NBC's broadcast, platforms like Peacock, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV will also stream the musical performances, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

What's special about this year's tree?

This year's tree, though slightly smaller than last year's, stands tall at 80 feet, spreading its branches 43 feet wide, a majestic centerpiece to the holiday joy. Its nightly illumination from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. will continue until its removal on Jan. 13 at 10 p.m., staying brightly lit for a full 24 hours on Christmas Day.

Post its festive duty, the tree will embark on a new purpose. Donated to Habitat for Humanity International, it will be repurposed into lumber, serving in the construction of furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, extending its legacy beyond the holiday season.

As the Rockefeller Center gears up for this festive spectacle, it comes with temporary changes in traffic arrangements. Surrounding streets, including 49th and 50th Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, will be closed to vehicular traffic during the holiday season. Pedestrians will exclusively occupy these streets from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, fostering a safe and vibrant environment for visitors.

With the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony set to captivate audiences worldwide, the stage is set for a magical start to the holiday season, combining tradition, music, and festive spirit in the heart of New York City.