How to view the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights
The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center will be illuminated Wednesday by more than 50,000 multi-colored lights, starting a holiday tradition in Midtown Manhattan that dates back to the 1930s.
Crews have been hard at work decorating and preparing the tree — a 12-ton Norway spruce — since it arrived at Rockefeller Plaza on Nov. 11 after being transported nearly 200 miles from Vestal, New York.
On Wednesday evening, a 900-pound star decorated with three million Swarovski crystals will be illuminated, and about five miles of LED string lights will be turned on for the first time this season. There are musical performances during the festivities Cher, Barry Manilow, Keke Palmer and others. Here’s what you need to know.
When is the Rockefeller Center tree lit?
The lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 29 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
It will air live as part of the NBC special “Christmas at Rockefeller Center,” hosted by singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson.
How can I watch the tree lighting ceremony?
In addition to NBC, the music performances can be seen on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock, starting at 8 p.m. You can also stream the event on platforms like Hulu with live TV, DirectTV stream or Fubo TV.
Or, if you’re in New York, you can brave the hustle and bustle of Midtown and see the film in person.
Who will perform at the event?
A host of major artists are expected this year, including Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Keke Palmer, Cher, Darlene Love, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Liz Gillies, Seth MacFarlane and Barry Manilow.
Like traditionThe Radio City Rockettes will also appear, along with “Today” hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin.
What is there to know about this year’s tree?
Although not as large as last year’s tree, the 80 to 85 year old Norway spruce that is the center of all the excitement is certainly not small.
This year’s tree is 25 meters high and 13 meters wide and weighs approximately 12 tons. The spruce came from Vestal, about 200 miles northwest of Manhattan in New York’s Southern Tier.
About five miles of wire with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights are wrapped around the tree’s branches, and a 900-pound three-dimensional star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind will be illuminated on top. The tree topper has more than 70 spines and is covered with more than three million Swarovski crystals.
How long can I see it in person?
The tree is lit daily and is open to the public from 5 a.m. to noon until it is taken down on January 13 at 10 p.m. On Christmas Day the tree remains lit for 24 hours.
This will be the case after the tree is removed in January donated to Habitat for Humanity International and milled into lumber that can be used to build furniture, floors and cabinets.