The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2022: What You'll Want to Know

The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting will be Wednesday, Nov. 30

Nothing says Christmas in New York City quite like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. And we're excited to announce the dazzling tree lighting event will be on Wednesday, Nov. 30!

About the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This year’s tree is local. Hailing from Queensbury, NY, the tree is a Norway spruce donated by the Lebowitz family. It’s 82 feet tall, 50 feet wide and weighs a whopping 14 tons!

The majestic tree, which is approximately 90 years old, is set to arrive at Rock Center on Saturday, Nov. 12. You'll be able to see the tree in all its natural glory that day and in the coming weeks, but you'll have to be patient about seeing it lit up for the holidays! Trimming a tree as big as this is no easy feat, so it'll take workers some time to decorate it before the official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. After all, there are more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights (that’s nearly 5 miles of lights!) that will wrap around the tree. 

Start planning your holiday itinerary now, because you'll have plenty of opportunities to see the beautiful tree. After the ceremony, the tree will be lit daily from 6am-12am. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year's Eve it is lit from 6am-9pm. 

We're as eager as you are to see the tree lit in all its glory, but there's still plenty of holiday fun to be had in the meantime. Go ice-skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, get some holiday shopping done at Bryant Park's Winter Village, or check out the glittery NYC Winter Lantern Festival!

2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Facts at a Glance

 

 

 

 

 

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When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony?

The Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony is on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, at 8pm.

How do I watch the Christmas Tree lighting?

NBC News' TODAY co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Rocker and Craig Melvin will host the highly anticipated holiday special. Viewers will enjoy lots of fun and festive performances, too. Details about public access to the event will be announced. 

Who will perform at this year's tree lighting ceremony?

Stay tuned! More information will be announced. 

When can I see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this holiday season?

After the ceremony, the tree will be lit daily from 6am-12am. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year's Eve it is lit from 6am-9pm. 

Where is the tree located?

The Rockefeller Center tree  is located at Rockefeller Plaza, between 48 and 51 Streets, in Manhattan right above the iconic ice-skating Rink at Rockefeller Center. 

How do I get to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?

The closest subway stop is 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center on the BDFM, though the 5 Avenue-53 St E stop and 49 St station on the NRW are just a few blocks away.

When did the first Christmas tree come to Rockefeller Center? 

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was erected in 1931 by construction workers at the Rockefeller Plaza construction site. During the height of the Great Depression, the workers pooled their money together to buy a 20-foot balsam fir, which was then decorated with handmade garlands created by the workers’ families. The following year, Rockefeller Center decided to make the Christmas tree a holiday tradition and held the first tree lighting ceremony.

What happens to the Rockefeller Center tree after Christmas?

Continuing a longstanding tradition, the 2022 Rockefeller Center tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity at the end of the holiday season. The tree will be milled, treated, and made into lumber that will be used to help build affordable homes for families.

For more information, visit rockefellercenter.com, or follow Rock Center on Facebook and Instagram. 

Main photo by lev radin/shutterstock.com