Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: 5 Things to Know

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The DL – Rockefeller Center Tree: When you think of New York City at Christmas time, you can’t help but think of the famous Rockefeller Center tree. It’s historic, iconic, and embodies all things Christmas. As a New York local, I am sharing my tips and advice on what I learned from my first experience going to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Event.

1. Get There Early

If you don’t get the lighting of the tree event early, and I mean early…you won’t be able to see the tree at all. The tree is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza at West 49th and 50th Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, which really means its tucked in between buildings. Many of us were stuck on the side streets of 49th and 50th and couldn’t see anything at all, since the only way to see the tree was to turn left or right into the plaza area (which is very small). The TV crews set up screens of the broadcast in the streets, since many cannot see the actual tree or performances in person (see below).

2. Plan Accordingly

The lighting of the tree event might officially start at 8 let’s say, but the tree won’t be lit until the very end of the event closer to 10, and you will need to get there many hours before then to get a spot. We got to Rockefeller around 6:30 and we couldn’t see at all. So, when planning on going to this event, you will need to prepare to be there for multiple hours so pack accordingly.

3. Pre-taped Performances

Many of the performances are pre-taped 1-2 hours before the lighting, so if you get there early, you will hear or see the pre-taped version and then watch it play later on the TV screens when it goes “live” to the rest of the world. A good amount of the performances are filmed on rooftops of buildings in the area and not in front of the tree at all. So, if you are looking to see a specific artist perform, keep this in mind.

4. 1iOTA App

Try signing up on 1iOTA for a chance to get a free up close and a personal spot for the NBC taping of the tree lighting.

5. Hours of Operation

If you can’t make it to the lighting event or you try and can’t see the tree once you get there, remember the tree is lit every day 6am-midnight from the day of the tree lighting into January, so don’t worry there is still plenty of time.

Also, on Christmas day, the lights shine for a full 24 hours, so if you are looking to get a decent picture in front of the tree this might be your best option if you don’t go at peak times.

Tip: When you visit the tree, you are also right by the skating rink, light display at Saks fifth avenue, and the 12 Christmas angels of Rockefeller in the channel gardens.

For the most up to date hours and information, go here.