The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is set to take place tonight in New York City, marking a cherished holiday tradition. The ceremony, featuring live performances by notable artists, will commence at 20:00 local time, with clear skies expected after a coastal storm passed through the area earlier this week.
Reba McEntire will host this year’s event, which includes performances from acclaimed artists such as Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce. The lighting of the tree is anticipated to happen just before 22:00, adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening. This year’s celebration also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Radio City Rockettes, who will also perform during the festivities.
Visitor Information and Tree Details
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will remain illuminated from 05:00 to midnight daily until mid-January. On Christmas Eve, the lights will glow continuously for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, they will shine from 05:00 to 21:00. The tree is located at 30 Rockefeller Center, situated between West 49th and West 50th Streets in Manhattan. For those utilizing public transportation, the closest subway stop is the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station on the B, D, F, and M lines.
Visitors can also purchase tickets to skate at the Rockefeller Center ice rink or to enjoy views from the observation decks. A VIP pass is available for over $300, offering an exclusive tour of the tree and a champagne toast.
The Norway Spruce tree, which will be the centerpiece of the ceremony, was cut down on November 6, 2024, in East Greenbush, New York, approximately 150 miles north of the city. Standing at approximately 75 feet tall and weighing around 11 tons, the tree is over 60 years old. It is adorned with more than 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski crystal star. Following the holiday season, the tree will be removed in mid-January and repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
The Tradition and Road Closures
The tradition of lighting the Rockefeller Center tree dates back to 1931, beginning when a group of workers pooled their resources to purchase a Christmas tree. They decorated a modest 20-foot Balsam Fir with garlands crafted by their families. The first official tree lighting occurred two years later.
Notably, December 1999 holds the record for the largest tree, a magnificent 100-footer from Killingworth, Connecticut. Last year’s tree originated from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, marking the first selection from that state since 1959.
As the celebrations unfold, road closures will affect several streets in the vicinity. The following streets will be closed today according to the New York Police Department:
– 46th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 47th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– Rockefeller Plaza between 48th Street and 51st Street
– 6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
– 5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
The lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center promises to be a spectacular event, bringing together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the holiday season in one of the world’s most iconic locations.
