Rockefeller Center
Landmark · Midtown
Arguably the most iconic Christmas Tree in New York City, selecting this centerpiece is no easy feat.
Decorating a Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center is a tradition that dates back to 1933, officially. Unofficially, workers pooled together to buy the first tree in 1931 (amid the crippling Great Depression) when the national unemployment rate crested 23%.
Keen to manifest the holiday spirit, the 20-foot fir was dressed with handmade garlands made by the worker’s families. Two years later, Rockefeller Center decided to make the tree an annual tradition and held the first lighting festival in 1933.
Arguably the most iconic Christmas Tree in New York City, selecting this centerpiece is no easy feat. The tree must be at least 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide (traditionally, a Norway spruce is selected).
- Hours
- Public plaza open 24 hours; Top of the Rock observation deck 9 am to 11 pm, last admission 10.10 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Subway
- B, D, F, M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, 2 min
- Address
- 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
This year
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens, Sat, Oct 10 (announced)
- Rockefeller Center tree arrival, last year Nov 8 (expected)
- Rockefeller Center tree last day on display, last year Jan 10 (expected)
- Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony, last year Dec 3 (expected)
