When Does the Christmas Tree Go Up in NYC? (Or, My Annual Existential Crisis)
Ah, New York City at Christmas. A magical wonderland of twinkling lights, overpriced hot cocoa, and enough tourists to make you question your sanity. But amidst the chaos, one beacon of hope shines bright (literally): the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. But when, oh WHEN, does this majestic conifer grace us with its presence? This, my friends, is the question that keeps me up at night, right after "Did I leave the oven on?" and "Is that a raccoon in my kitchen?"
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| When Does The Christmas Tree Go Up In New York City |
The Great Tree Reveal: A National Holiday (Almost)
Let's be real, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is practically a national holiday. Okay, maybe not officially, but it should be. I mean, Thanksgiving is just an excuse to eat excessive amounts of food and argue with your relatives. This tree lighting? This is art. This is culture. This is a giant, sparkly tree!
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So, Spill the Tinsel Already!
Okay, okay, I hear you. You're not here for my philosophical musings on the importance of giant trees. You want answers! You want dates! You want… well, you probably just want to know when to book your flights so you can Instagram a picture of yourself in front of it.
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony usually takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. So, if Thanksgiving is on November 23rd (like it is in 2023), you can expect the tree lighting ceremony to be on November 29th. Mark your calendars! Set your alarms! Prepare for the crowds!
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The Tree's Reign of Sparkle: A Month-Long Affair
Now, the tree doesn't just pop up on the Wednesday and disappear like a Christmas ghost. Oh no, it sticks around for a while, basking in the adoration of millions. It typically stays lit until early January. So, you've got plenty of time to get that perfect selfie, even if you miss the initial lighting ceremony.
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A Word of Warning (or Two)
Just a little heads-up: visiting Rockefeller Center during the holiday season is not for the faint of heart. Think Times Square on steroids. Expect crowds, expect lines, expect to pay an exorbitant amount for a pretzel. But hey, it's Christmas in New York! Embrace the chaos! Just maybe wear comfortable shoes and bring a portable charger for your phone. And maybe a helmet.
Beyond the Tree: Festive Fun in the City
While the Rockefeller Center tree is the star of the show, NYC offers a whole sleigh-load of other holiday cheer. From ice skating rinks to Christmas markets to Broadway shows, you'll find enough festive activities to keep you busy until New Year's. Just remember to pack your wallet (and your sanity).
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FAQs: How To... (Because You Asked)
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How to get to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree? Subway! The B, D, F, and M trains all stop at the Rockefeller Center station. Just follow the signs (and the crowds).
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How to avoid the crowds at the tree lighting ceremony? Good luck with that! Just kidding (sort of). Arrive early, really early. Or, watch it on TV from the comfort of your own home. Hot cocoa optional.
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How to take a good picture of the tree? Find a good angle, turn on your flash (maybe?), and hope for the best. Seriously, the tree is huge. It's hard to take a bad picture. Just try not to get run over by a tourist while you're at it.
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How to ice skate at Rockefeller Center? Go to the rink! It's right there! Be prepared to wait in line and pay a hefty fee. But hey, it's a classic NYC experience.
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How to find other Christmas attractions in NYC? Google is your friend! There are tons of websites and blogs dedicated to NYC holiday events. Do some research and plan your festive adventure!
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