After arriving in Rockefeller Plaza earlier this month, the 90th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has patiently resided between West 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues, waiting to be decked out in 50,000 multi-colored lights—and the time has almost come!
If you’re wondering about all the details of this year’s tree lighting, visits, etc., we’ve got (almost) all your questions answered, here!
When will the tree be in Rockefeller Center?
The tree arrived in NYC on Saturday, November 12th from Queensbury, New York.
When is the tree lighting ceremony?
This year’s tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, November 30th, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
How can I watch it?
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be broadcast on NBC and in-person viewing is open to the public. It’s first-come, first served, so get as close to 49th St. & 5th Ave as early as possible.
Will there be any special performances?
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton will perform a duet of their holiday single, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.”
Additional performances include:
- Jimmie Allen
- Andrea Bocelli with Matteo Bocelli and Virginia Bocelli
- David Foster and Katharine McPhee
- Brett Eldredge
- Mickey Guyton
- Alicia Keys
- The Muppets of Sesame Street
- Dan + Shay
- The Shindellas
- Louis York
- And more!
What streets will be closed?
49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue will be closed everyday through the holiday season after the tree is lit from 11a.m. – 12a.m.
Fifth Avenue between 48th Street & 57th Street will also shut down all car traffic with a new initiative “Fifth Avenue for All” on December 4, 11, & 18 from 12p.m. – 6p.m. Learn more about this here.
Any other special dates should I know about?
On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, the lights on the tree will shine for a full 24 hours. On New Year’s Eve, you can visit the tree anytime from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How can I visit the tree this year?
Visiting hours for the tree will be from 6 a.m. – 12 a.m. after Wednesday, November 30th.
What else should I do in Rockefeller Center?
Glad you asked! Grab your skates and go for a spin on the iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink open on November 5th.
For all aspects of the tree, you can always refer to the Rockefeller Center website for more info and updates.