When is the tree lighting in 2025
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting typically takes place on a Wednesday evening in late November. In 2025, the tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, with the tree illumination beginning at 8:30pm ET. These dates are announced in September each year and are treated as provisional until the official press release from NBCUniversal and Rockefeller Center is published. Exact timing can shift by a few minutes based on sunset, weather, and production needs. For the most current confirmation, always check RockefellerCenter.com and the Rockefeller Center social channels in the week leading up to the event.
How the event is broadcast and how to watch
The ceremony is produced by NBCUniversal and televised live on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock and the NBC app. Radio coverage is provided by WNBC and other local stations. Live streams begin about 45 minutes before the illumination, and performances typically start at 8:00pm ET. After the tree is lit, the broadcast often continues through streaming platforms, and on-demand clips and highlights are archived for later viewing.
How to attend in person at Rockefeller Center
Public viewing in Rockefeller Plaza is free but requires timed tickets; applications for tickets are released several weeks in advance through an online lottery system. Winners pay a small administrative fee. Security screening is in effect, and permitted items include small hand-seated bags and cameras without tripods. Prohibited items, winter storage policies, and contingency plans for inclement weather are detailed on the official Rockefeller Center site. Plan to arrive early, dress warmly, and review the site map before you go.
History and traditions of the Rockefeller Center tree
The first tree was erected in 1931 during the Great Depression, and the formal lighting ceremony with a celebrity or musician began in 1997. Over the decades, the tree species has shifted between Norway and Balsam firs, sourced from the northeast United States. After the holiday, the tree is milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes, a practice that underscores the event’s community-minded legacy. Performers have included both emerging artists and established stars, with each year’s lineup announced closer to the event.
Weather, timing, and contingency planning
Even in late November, New York weather can vary widely, so the event is designed to proceed rain or shine. High winds, severe storms, or extreme cold may lead to postponement or cancellation. NBC and Rockefeller Center communicate changes via local TV, radio, social media, and press releases. If postponed, the tree is typically lit on an alternate date in the following week. Check the calendar and weather on the day of the event, and review the Rockefeller Center FAQ for notes on how audiences are notified and how ticketholders are accommodated.
Practical tips for attendees and viewers
- Check RockefellerCenter.com in the morning of the event for any changes and confirm start times.
- Winners of in-person tickets are notified by email; confirm your details early and arrive at least 90 minutes before illumination.
- Dress in layers, wear waterproof footwear, and limit what you bring in bags to speed security.
- Viewers at home can use hashtags on social media, stream on Peacock, and set reminders to watch live on NBC.
- If you cannot attend in person, watch the live broadcast and enjoy post-event highlights available on demand.
Quick reference table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical event month | November (late) | Historical schedule |
| Typical event day | Wednesday | Historical schedule |
| Tree illumination time (ET) | ~8:30pm (varies by a few minutes) | Event programming norms |
| Official ticketing method | Free timed tickets via lottery on RockefellerCenter.com | Rockefeller Center communications |
| Live TV broadcaster | NBC | NBCUniversal press releases |
| Live stream platform | Peacock and NBC app | NBCUniversal press releases |
| Tree post-holiday use | Milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity | Rockefeller Center historical notes |
Accessibility and visitor information
The plaza is accessible via multiple subway lines, with detailed station and entrance information on the MTA and Rockefeller Center websites. For attendees with mobility needs, review accessibility seating options and the site’s accessibility guide in advance. Winter storage for coats and bags is limited and subject to security procedures, so travel light and plan for quick entry. Food options are available nearby, and seating in the plaza is general admission, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.