The Big Apple's Biggest Sparkler: All You Need to Know About NYC's Tree Lighting Ceremony (Besides Where to Score the Best Hot Cocoa)
Ah, New York City during the holidays. Think twinkling lights, ice skaters gliding across Central Park's rink, and enough festive cheer to fill Santa's entire workshop. But let's be honest, the true star of the show is the majestic Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Forget the ball drop, this is the real New Year's Eve for the holiday obsessed (myself very much included).
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| What Time Is The Tree Lighting In New York City |
When Does the NYC Tree Lighting Happen? Not Tonight, Buddy
Now, you might be wondering, with twinkle lights practically dancing in your head, "Is it time to hop on a plane and snag a front-row seat?" Well, slow your jingle bells there, champ. The NYC tree lighting ceremony is a late-autumn affair, typically happening on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. So, for 2024, we're looking at a date around December 4th.
Mark your calendars and prepare your ugly sweater collection!
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Light Up the Night: Ceremony Time and What to Expect
The festivities usually kick off around 7 pm, with a star-studded lineup of musical performances and special guests. Think carols sung by your favorite celebs, enough celebrity sightings to make your head spin, and maybe even an appearance by the jolly man himself (with abs of steel, because this is NYC, after all).
Then, at the climax of the evening, the moment we've all been waiting for: the lighting of the tree. Prepare to be dazzled by thousands of twinkling lights and a breathtaking star topper that would make even Rudolph jealous.
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Insider Tip: Bundle up! It gets chilly in New York City this time of year, and battling the crowds for a good spot can be a workout. Layers are your friend.
But Wait, There's More! How to See the Tree After the Ceremony
Fret not if you can't make it to the ceremony itself. The good news is, the tree stays lit throughout the holiday season, bringing cheer to New Yorkers and tourists alike. You can visit the Rockefeller Center (where the iconic tree usually resides) and marvel at its magic from 5 am to midnight daily. There's even a special extended lighting schedule on Christmas Eve (24 hours!) and New Year's Eve (until 9 pm).
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Basically, there's plenty of time to get your Christmas cheer on!
Frequently Asked Tree-Lighting Questions:
How to get to the NYC tree lighting ceremony?
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- The ceremony takes place at Rockefeller Center, located at 49th St between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Public transportation is your best bet, with plenty of subway stations nearby.
How to watch the NYC tree lighting ceremony if I can't be there?
- The ceremony is usually broadcast live on NBC and streamed online. Cozy up on the couch with some hot cocoa and enjoy the show!
How to dress for the NYC tree lighting ceremony?
- Bundle up! It gets cold in NYC during December. Layers, hats, gloves, and maybe even a festive scarf are your best friends.
How much does it cost to see the NYC tree lighting ceremony?
- The ceremony itself is free, but be prepared for crowds and potential costs associated with travel and refreshments.
How tall is the NYC Christmas tree?
- The height of the tree varies each year, but it's typically around 70 to 100 feet tall! That's a lot of twinkle lights.
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