The Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Will Be Lit Tonight — How to Watch

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season, and one of the most iconic kick offs is here with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.

This year’s tree, an 80-foot-tall Norway Spruce, will be lit for the first time in New York City just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday night. A version of the famous tree, a symbol synonymous with the start of the holiday season, has stood on that spot for more than 80 years.

This is everything holiday lovers need to know about the tree lighting from where to watch to how to visit, and more. 

What time is the tree lighting this year?

The tree will officially be lit a few minutes before 10 p.m. ET.

How can people watch from home? 

The tree lighting will kick off with a festive “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special on NBC and Peacock with host and performer Kelly Clarkson at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Clarkson will be joined by Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin.

An additional pre-show will also be broadcast on NBC-owned Television stations and several NBC affiliates starting at 7 p.m. ET. That show will be led by Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez as well as WNBC news anchors Natalie Pasquarella and David Ushery.

Viewers can also tune in to Rockefeller Center’s Instagram page where the social media team will share live images of the night on its stories as well as upload a reel right after the tree is lit.

How can you watch in person?

Travelers who want to watch the lighting in person must enter from specific spectator entry points on either 48 Street and Sixth Avenue or on 51 Street and Sixth Avenue, according to the NYPD. These entry points open at about 4 p.m.

An accessible viewing area will also be available on the southwest corner of 49 Street and Rockefeller Plaza.

The NYPD said viewers are prohibited from bringing several items to the ceremony, including lawn chairs, blankets, large coolers, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, alcohol, or any items that can “obstruct or interfere with another spectator’s enjoyment of the event.”

Where does this year’s tree come from? 

The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which stands at 80 feet tall and 43 feet wide, comes from Vestal, NY, just west of Binghamton. The tree is estimated to be about 80 to 85 years old.

How many lights does the tree have?

In total, the tree features more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung along a whopping 5 miles of wire. The Swarovski crystal star on top is covered in 3 million crystals and weighs about 900 pounds.

How long will the tree stay lit? 

The tree is lit from 5 a.m. to midnight each day except for Christmas Day when it is lit for 24 hours and New Year’s Eve when it is lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tree remains lit until Jan. 13 at 10 p.m.

Travelers to New York City can visit the impressive tree for free by heading to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between 49 and 50 streets.

What happens when the tree is taken down?

Once the holiday season is over, the large tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to be milled into lumber, a tradition since 2007. In fact, the wood from a Norway spruce is a great material for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry.