Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: 2024 complete NYC guide
Welcome to the complete guide for the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the symbol of the holiday season in NYC. In this article of our blog, you will discover everything you need to know about this iconic NYC holiday tree. We’ll cover details like when the tree arrives in NYC and goes down or the 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony. Also, we’ll provide tickets info, hours and schedule to visit the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
In this article of my NYC Christmas Blog you will also find tips on where to stand to see the 2024 Tree Lighting Ceremony in NYC. Our NYC Christmas Blog about the Rockefeller Holiday Tree 2024 offers tons of useful information. We are sure it will help you plan your New York trip during the Holiday Season. Don’t miss out on the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Christmas in New York is full of magical moments and you will love them all.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: the most iconic NYC symbol
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the most famous symbol of the holiday season in New York. When thinking of Christmas in New York, the first thing that comes to mind is always this Holiday Tree. In fact, every year, the most famous Christmas Tree in NYC is adorned with over 50 thousand lights. Millions of visitors from all over the worlds come to New York to take a picture with this Holiday Tree.
In this article, we’ll provide all the info you need to visit this beloved New York holiday landmark. We will cover the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, highlight of the 2024 holiday season. The event features international stars and the dazzling Rockettes from Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
But first we’ll discuss the arrival of the most iconic holiday tree in NYC. This is the event that kicks off the Christmas season in New York.
Where is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is located at Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The exact address is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between West 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. This bustling location is at the heart of New York City, making it easily accessible to tourists and locals alike.
If you’re traveling by subway, the 47-50 Sts – Rockefeller Center Station (served by the B, D, F, and M lines) is the closest stop. Simply exit the station and head north for one block to reach the tree. Alternatively, you can use the 5th Ave/53rd St Station (E and M lines). From there, it’s a five-minute walk southwest to reach the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is surrounded by several iconic New York attractions. You can visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Radio City Music Hall, home of the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, is right around the corner. A short stroll will lead you to the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an architectural marvel steeped in history. Right behind the St. Patrick Cathedral, don’t miss the Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree. For a bit of festive shopping and entertainment, head to the Bryant Park Winter Village, which features a charming ice skating rink, holiday shops, and delicious food stalls.
Don’t miss the dazzling holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, just across the street. All these attractions add to the festive charm surrounding the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, creating a magical holiday experience in New York City.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will arrive in NYC on November 16th
The arrival of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in NYC is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, November 16, 2024. The tree usually arrives in Midtown Manhattan early in the morning. Then, around 10 a.m. the holiday tree is hoisted into position on Rockefeller Plaza. This event occurs about two weeks before New York’s famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It attracts thousands of New Yorkers, eager to witness one of the most iconic moments of the Christmas season.
On November 16th, the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is carefully removed from the truck that transported it to New York. After that, the most famous holiday tree is hoisted up with the help of a large crane. The process takes about two hours. At the end of the ceremony small pieces of tree branches are distributed to spectators. This is a beautiful memento of the NYC Holiday tree to take home. If you are in New York on November 16, 2024, do not miss the opportunity to witness the arrival of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
After the hoisting ceremony, workers cover the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024 with scaffoldings. This marks the start of two weeks of intense work to decorate and beautify the tree. Workers add more than 50,000 lights in preparation for the highly anticipated lighting ceremony.
In this section we understood that when do Christmas Trees go up in New York doesn’t mean it’s the lighting date. Continue reading for further details about the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree timeline.
When does the Rockefeller Tree go up
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will arrive in New York on November 16, 2024. On this date, the most iconic NYC holiday symbol will be hoisted right in front of the ice skating rink. The arrival and hoisting ceremony is one of the most anticipated moments of the Christmas season in New York. Thousands of people will gather at Rockefeller Plaza to await the tree’s arrival.
Are you in New York on November 16? My advice is to go to Rockefeller Plaza early in the morning. If you are wondering when the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree goes up, you should know that the hoisting ceremony starts at 7 a.m. It usually takes 3 to 4 hours for the tree to be positioned.
After the hoisting ceremony is over, the Rockefeller team will begin decorating the Christmas Tree. I invite you to read the following paragraphs for more information, where I explain all the details of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree timeline.
Scaffolding will cover the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree between November 17 and November 26, 2024
If you’re in New York between November 17 and 26, 2024, you’ll find the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree completely covered with scaffolding. In fact, workers are busy decorating it with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights. This iconic tradition continues to captivate millions of visitors every year.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, typically a Norway spruce over 80 feet tall, is meticulously adorned with lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. This star is specially designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, featuring over 3 million crystals and 70 glass spikes. This star alone emits an impressive 106,000 lumens, making it an iconic feature that helps turn night into day.
During the decoration period, workers are often generous with giving away branches that fall off during the process. Simply approach the barricades and ask for a keepsake branch of the most iconic holiday tree in NYC. It’s a cherished souvenir, especially for those who adore holiday traditions.
The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 4, 2024. However, visitors can still marvel at the workers preparing the tree for this magical moment. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024 will be lit daily until mid-January, providing ample time to enjoy its brilliance.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this breathtaking holiday spectacle up close! This Holiday Tree in Midtown Manhattan is not only a symbol of the season but also a testament to New York City’s resilience and festive spirit.
The NYC Holiday Tree will be free from scaffoldings from November 27
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, one of New York City’s most iconic holiday landmarks, will be free from scaffolding starting November 27, 2024. This is exactly 2 days after the 2024 Saks Lights Show Opening Ceremony. Once the workers have meticulously decorated the tree with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and placed the Swarovski crystal star atop, the tree will be ready to shine brightly, marking the official start of the holiday season.
However, it’s important to note that although the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be free from scaffolding starting November 27, it will remain unlit until the official lighting ceremony. For those in New York between November 27 and December 3, it won’t be possible to admire the illuminated tree just yet. The first opportunity to see the tree with its dazzling 50,000 lights will be on December 4, 2024, the day of the lighting ceremony.
Visitors should mark their calendars for this magical moment when the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, free from scaffolding, will illuminate the plaza and signal the festive spirit of New York City’s holiday season. NBC will broadcast the lighting ceremony, featuring performances by celebrities and The Rockettes.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on December 4
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2024 is an iconic Christmas event. It marks the official start of the holiday season in NYC.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2024 will take place on November 29, 2024. This date follows the tradition of holding the event on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 28, which leads to the selection of December 4 for this iconic holiday event.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit precisely at 9:57 PM. However, the event, featuring high-profile international guests, begins around 7 PM. If you want to attend the ceremony in person, it’s important not to arrive at the last minute. Every year, thousands of people watch this event live. Those who want a front-row spot often arrive in the late morning. To secure a decent spot with a good view of the tree, we suggest not to arrive after 2 PM.
If you want a front-row view on December 4, 2024, you should arrive in the late morning. My advice is to get to the tree area around 10 or 11 AM. For a good spot with a clear view of the tree, aim to arrive by 2 PM. As the day progresses, the streets become increasingly crowded. Arriving around 6 PM or after the ceremony has begun is likely to result in little to no visibility of the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Plan your day accordingly to ensure the best possible experience at this iconic event.
Schedule of the 2024 Holiday Tree from December 5 to early January
The lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be on every day between December 5, 2024, and early January 2025. The Holiday Tree in New York will be lit daily from 5 AM to midnight. On December 24, the tree is lit for 24 hours. On New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned off at 9 PM.
Want to take memorable photos of the most iconic Holiday Tree in the world? We recommend visiting the most iconic NYC holiday tree early in the morning. Around 5 or 6 AM, there is hardly anyone in front of the tree. This will allow you to capture memorable souvenir photos to share with friends and family after returning from your Christmas trip to New York.
Moreover, if you stand in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree at 5 AM sharp, you’ll witness the tree lighting without crowds. Every day, the lights are switched on at 5 AM sharp. This will give you the opportunity to take a video showing the tree without lights and then with the lights on, all without crowds. We highly recommend doing this during your 2024 Christmas trip to New York.
Do I Need Tickets to Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?
No, you don’t need tickets to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This beloved New York holiday landmark is free for everyone to enjoy. The lights on the tree are switched on at 5 AM and stays illuminated until midnight, except on December 31, when the lights are turned off at 9 PM, and on Christmas Eve, when the tree is lit for 24 hours.
Keep in mind that if you plan to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in the evening, you’ll likely encounter heavy crowds. Thousands of visitors flock to see the tree after dark, creating a lively but packed atmosphere. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning. Arriving around 5 or 6 AM allows you to witness the magical moment when the tree lights up for the day. This will offer a perfect opportunity to take photos without the crowds. The calm and serene early hours will give you an unforgettable view of the dazzling holiday tree. This will make your Christmas trip to New York City even more special.
Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2024 Tickets
Are you wondering if you can buy tickets for the Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2024 ceremony? The answer is that it is not possible. In fact, attending the ceremony is free, and you do not need tickets. However, keep in mind that if you want to attend the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, you need to arrive very early.
In past years, we have noticed that many people arrive at Rockefeller Plaza around lunchtime. This is the best time to secure a good view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the performing cast. If you arrive later than that, it is highly probable that you won’t be able to stand near the Holiday Tree. It’s very important to remember that once you are in position for the ceremony, you cannot move. Prepare yourself; it’s going to be a long wait. This is because Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2024 tickets aren’t available.
Conclusion: The most famous Holiday Tree in New York City
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see symbol of the holiday season in New York City. From the moment it arrives in Midtown Manhattan on November 16th to the magical lighting ceremony on December 4th and its daily illuminations until early January, the tree captivates millions of visitors from around the world. Adorned with over 50,000 multicolored lights and crowned with a stunning Swarovski crystal star, this Norway spruce is the ultimate holiday icon.
Whether you’re planning to attend the lighting ceremony in person, take photos early in the morning, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere around Rockefeller Plaza, this guide provides everything you need to make the most of your visit. Remember, tickets aren’t required to see the tree up close. However, arriving early ensures the best views and the chance to witness the dazzling tree lighting at 5 AM without the crowds.
Surrounded by iconic attractions like the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall, and the Bryant Park Winter Village, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree embodies the spirit and joy of the holidays in New York City. Don’t forget to check out the dazzling window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, just across the street.
So, bundle up, grab your camera, and immerse yourself in this magical tradition. This Holiday Tree is not only the symbol of the season but also a testament to New York City’s resilience and festive spirit. The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is waiting to brighten your holiday season!
