When to Expect This Year’s Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is when New York City's holiday spirit blazes to life—transforming the Plaza into a glowing hub of joy and celebration.

This December, Rockefeller Plaza will host the much-anticipated lighting ceremony on December 4, 2024. The majestic 74-foot Norway spruce, sourced from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, will be decked out with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and crowned by a dazzling Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds.

Whether you’re planning to see it in person or catch the live broadcast, this isn’t just a holiday tradition. It’s a moment that connects generations, celebrating the season in one of the world’s most iconic settings.

The Tradition's History