Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Be a part of lighting the largest and most iconic Christmas tree in the world!

Thousands of people gather to see the historic event of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting. | Photo Courtesy of Anthony Quintano

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

The most iconic yearly event in New York City, the traditional Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, hosts tens of thousands of revelers, filling the streets to embrace the iconic tree’s illumination of Rockefeller Plaza.

In 2023, the tree will be lit on Wednesday, November 29; the festivities start at 7:00 p.m. This year’s show will be hosted by Emmy and Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson, who will also be performing.

The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from Vestal, New York. The tree is an 80-year-old Norway Spruce; It’s 80 feet tall, 43 feet wide and weighs 80 tons.

The tree will remain lit from 5:00 am to midnight every day until January 13, 2024 at 10:00 pm. On Christmas Day is it lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

Acclaimed the world-wide symbol of the holidays in NYC, a visit to bask in the tree’s beauty is truly a must this winter!

History of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Since 1933, this tradition has marked the start of the holiday season and brings the people of the City of New York together. During the Great Depression, workers would round up their paychecks and gather around Rockefeller Plaza to put up a small Christmas tree for the season. It became a “holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike.” Over the years, the tree has been decorated in patriotic colors during World War II, and in 2001 to remember September 11th. Every year, it lights up the center of Midtown with its beauty and decorations.

By the end of the season, over 125 million people will have visited the tree.making it the center of the holiday season.

Take Amtrak to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Experience the event via Amtrak to Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

To get from Penn Station to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, take the 1 Subway line from Penn Station to 50th Street-Broadway then head east to Rockefeller Center along 50th Street (8-minute walk).

Or, take the E train from Penn Station to 5th Avenue-53rd Street, then head downtown along 5th Avenue to 50th Street (6-minute walk).

*The event is free and open to the public. First come, first serve.*