The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is set to take place tonight, December 4, 2024, in New York City. This festive tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season for many, and this year’s ceremony promises to be a spectacular event.
Weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with clear skies following a coastal storm on Tuesday that brought heavy rain to the area. The tree lighting ceremony will commence at 20:00, featuring a host of performances by renowned artists, including Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce. Just before 22:00, the lights will illuminate the iconic tree, marking a highlight of the evening.
This year’s event holds special significance as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Radio City Rockettes, who will also perform during the festivities.
Details for Attendees and Viewing Options
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be on display from 05:00 to midnight daily through mid-January. On Christmas Eve, the tree will be lit continuously for 24 hours, while on New Year’s Eve, it will remain illuminated from 05:00 to 21:00.
Located at 30 Rockefeller Center, between West 49th and West 50th streets in Manhattan, visitors can access the site using public transport. The nearest subway stop is the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, served by the B, D, F, and M lines.
For those looking to skate at the famous ice rink or enjoy views from the observation decks, tickets are available for purchase. A VIP pass, priced at over $300, offers an exclusive tour of the tree along with a champagne toast.
The Tree’s Journey and Historical Significance
This year’s tree is a magnificent Norway Spruce, which was cut down on November 6 in East Greenbush, New York, located approximately 150 miles north of New York City. The tree arrived at Rockefeller Center on November 8 and stands around 75 feet tall, weighing in at 11 tons and estimated to be over 60 years old.
Adorned with more than 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski crystal star, the tree will serve a purpose beyond decoration. After it is taken down in mid-January, the wood will be repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, contributing to community building efforts.
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting dates back to 1931. Initially, a group of construction workers pooled their resources to buy a Christmas tree, which was decorated by their families. The first official tree lighting ceremony took place just two years later. The record for the largest tree was set in December 1999, with a 100-foot tall tree sourced from Killingworth, Connecticut.
Impact on Local Traffic and Road Closures
As part of the festivities, the New York Police Department announced that today marks the first Gridlock Alert Day of the month, leading to several road closures in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center. Streets affected include:
– 46th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 47th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
– Rockefeller Plaza between 48th Street and 51st Street
– 6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
– 5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
With the excitement building around this cherished tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is poised to be a memorable evening for residents and visitors alike, celebrating the joy of the holiday season in New York City.
