I get lots of emails from people planning their trips to New York City. One of the most common questions I hear is "When will the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center be lit this year?" (Another surprisingly popular one is "Can you make sure it's lit when I come visit/for my friend's birthday/for my anniversary?") While I have no control over when they light the tree (and I don't have a definite date until after Labor Day) it's almost always lit the week after Thanksgiving. This year, the Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. The tree will remain lit until January 7, 2013, giving everyone over a month to experience the tree in all its glory.
Guide: Rockefeller Center Visitors Guide
Photos: Rockefeller Center Christmas Photos
Photo of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree © Heather Cross, Licensed to About.com
Hi Heather, thanks for the information, I was wondering if you could tell me when they will be bringing the tree into NYC. To me, that event is equally amazing. Thanks.
On the length of time the tree lights are lit, you noted it ends on 1/2/2010 for this season…I think you mean 2011. Thank you for this date. A new step towards Christmas is felt when the tree is lit.
The best New York Event of the year! Tree Lighting.
many of the sites say it comes down on 1/2/2011 so is lite all day and they take it down late that night? I want to see it on 1/2/2011 with the kids – so when do they take it down?