When Are They Going to Light the Christmas Tree in NYC?
Ah, the eternal question that plagues New Yorkers and tourists alike every year: When are they going to light the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center? It's a magical event that heralds the start of the holiday season, and everyone wants to be there to witness it.
A Brief History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The tradition of lighting a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center began in 1933. The first tree was a 70-foot Norway spruce, and it was decorated with 700 lights. Today, the tree is typically a towering Norway spruce or a Picea omorika, and it's adorned with thousands of lights and sparkling ornaments.
When Does the Tree Usually Go Up?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree typically arrives in New York City in mid-November. It's then hoisted into place with a crane and decorated with lights and ornaments.
So, When Are They Going to Light It This Year?
The official date for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is usually announced a few weeks in advance. However, you can usually expect it to take place on a Wednesday evening in late November or early December.
How to Watch the Tree Lighting
There are a few ways to watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting:
- In person: If you're lucky enough to be in New York City on the night of the lighting, you can try to snag a spot in front of Rockefeller Center. However, it's important to note that it can be very crowded, so you may want to arrive early.
- On TV: The tree lighting is typically broadcast live on NBC. You can also watch it online on NBC.com.
- On social media: Rockefeller Center will also be live-streaming the tree lighting on its social media channels.
FAQs
How to get tickets to the tree lighting?
There are no tickets required to watch the tree lighting in person. However, if you want to attend the official tree-lighting ceremony, you may need to RSVP in advance.
How to find a good viewing spot?
The best viewing spots for the tree lighting are located directly in front of Rockefeller Center. However, it can be very crowded, so you may want to arrive early or try to find a spot on a higher level.
How to dress for the tree lighting?
The weather in New York City can be unpredictable in late November and early December. It's a good idea to dress in layers so that you can stay warm if it gets cold.
What time does the tree lighting start?
The official tree-lighting ceremony typically starts at 5:30 PM. However, the tree will be lit earlier in the day for media previews.
How long does the tree lighting last?
The tree-lighting ceremony typically lasts for about 30 minutes. However, you can stay in Rockefeller Center to enjoy the tree and the holiday decorations after the ceremony is over.