Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting 2024: When it is, How to Watch, and What to Know

The holiday season officially begins for many with the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City. This year, the ceremony promises to be just as magical as ever, featuring musical performances by some of the most celebrated stars and a spectacle that marks the start of the Christmas season. Below is everything you need to know about the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting.

When and Where is the Ceremony?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET in the heart of New York City. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, as part of the two-hour special “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.” Viewers can tune in to watch the ceremony and the lighting of the world-renowned Christmas tree from the comfort of their homes. The event will conclude at 10 p.m. ET, showcasing stunning performances from various artists and the final reveal of the holiday tree adorned with over 50,000 multicolor LED lights.

In addition to the broadcast, NBC-owned stations and a few affiliated networks will air an extra hour of live coverage from the event, which will start before the tree lighting ceremony. Mario Lopez of "Access Hollywood" and NBC New York anchors Natalie Pasquarella and David Ushery will host this segment, bringing a deeper look into the magic surrounding the Christmas celebrations.

For the first time, Spanish-language viewers will have access to the event through Telemundo’s simulcast, “Navidades en Rockefeller Center,” starting live at 9 p.m. ET. This broadens access to the ceremony, ensuring that families across multiple cultures can partake in this festive tradition.

Can I Attend the Tree Lighting?

For those in New York City or planning to travel for the occasion, attending the event in person is a special treat. The public is welcome to gather around Rockefeller Center to witness the historic lighting ceremony, though the area can get crowded. For a closer experience, visitors can purchase tickets to be photographed with the tree in the background. VIP tickets are also available, granting access to view the tree up close from areas typically closed to the public.

With the ceremony taking place outdoors in December, those attending should be prepared for cold weather. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to be 7 to 10 degrees below normal for early December, with a chance of snow or showers later in the week. As always, guests are encouraged to dress warmly for the occasion.

What is There to See?

The star of the show, of course, is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which is an awe-inspiring sight in itself. This year’s tree, a 74-foot tall Norway Spruce, hails from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts—marking the first time since 1959 that a tree from this state has been chosen. The tree’s 43-foot-wide canopy is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights, making it an extraordinary sight as it illuminates the city streets.

Topping off the tree will be a Swarovski crystal star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and first used in 2018. This star has become a beloved symbol of the holidays and will shine brightly above the tree, completing the picture-perfect view.

Which Celebrities Will Be at the Event?

The lighting ceremony is famous not only for its grandeur but for its star-studded performances. This year’s musical lineup features a number of big names from different genres of music:

The Backstreet Boys, one of the most successful boy bands of all time, will bring their signature harmonies to the stage.

Jennifer Hudson, an Academy Award-winning singer and actress, will perform her powerful vocals.

Dan + Shay, the country duo known for their chart-topping hits, will add a festive, down-home feel to the evening.

Megan Hilty, Broadway star and acclaimed actress, will perform her enchanting voice for the audience.

In addition to these musical performances, the Radio City Rockettes, the legendary precision dance troupe, will also perform as part of the celebrations. The Rockettes have been an essential part of New York’s holiday traditions, performing in the annual “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall, located just a short walk from Rockefeller Center.

NBC News will also have a presence at the ceremony, with anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin making special appearances throughout the event.

Where is This Year’s Tree From?

The 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a special one. Not only is it the first tree to come from Massachusetts in over six decades, but it has a deeply personal story behind it. The 74-foot Norway Spruce was planted by Earl Albert and his late wife, Leslie, in 1967. After Leslie’s passing, Earl donated the tree to serve as the official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a beautiful tribute to their shared history.

The tree’s journey to Rockefeller Center began in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where it was carefully selected and transported to New York. Once the tree’s holiday season is over, it will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, where its wood will be used to help build homes for families in need.

What is the History of the Tree Lighting?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has been an essential part of holiday tradition since 1931, when workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money together to buy a Christmas tree. The first tree, much smaller than the towering ones we see today, was erected to bring some holiday cheer during the Great Depression.

In 1933, just two years later, the first official tree lighting ceremony took place. The event grew in importance over the years, with its first televised broadcast in 1951, and it has remained a cherished holiday tradition ever since.

When Can I See the Tree After the Ceremony?

If you can't make it to the ceremony itself, don’t worry—the tree will remain on display for the public to view until mid-January. After the ceremony, the tree will be lit every day from 5 a.m. to midnight, giving tourists and locals plenty of time to experience its splendor.

On Christmas Eve, the tree will remain lit for a full 24 hours, allowing even those with late-night plans to enjoy its glow. However, on New Year’s Eve, the lights will be turned off early, at 9 p.m., to accommodate the crowds in Times Square who will be gearing up for the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop.

The 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is shaping up to be a memorable event, with incredible performances, a stunning tree, and a sense of holiday magic in the air. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in from home, it’s a spectacle that brings people together to celebrate the season of joy and giving.

The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is a reminder of the traditions that make the holiday season so special, and with each year, the excitement and charm of this event only seem to grow. Make sure to mark your calendars for this wonderful occasion, which promises to be filled with festive cheer and unforgettable memories.