Thanksgiving in New York, the tracker

Rockefeller Center

Landmark · Midtown

Rockefeller Center, photographed by New York Dearest

The tree must be at least 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide (traditionally, a Norway spruce is selected).

The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a beloved holiday tradition you might want to consider adding to your Thanksgiving trip to NYC.

Arguably the most famous 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). Once selected, the tree is adorned with five miles of lights before being crowned by a dazzling Swarovski star.

But the festive tree isn’t the only attraction worth your time at Rockefeller Center. The area is ripe for exploration during the holiday season! Read.10 Interesting Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center at Christmas.

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

Read my full guide

New York Dearest
The guide, $35

Click for the dates and my verdict

The NYC Thanksgiving tracker · Saturday, September 26

Thanksgiving in New York,
day by day.

34 places on one map, the parade route and where to stand, the balloon inflation, the restaurants doing the dinner, with this year's dates and times the morning they're announced.

or start with
Season opens Nov 21 · 56 days Parade floats at the museum, Central Park West
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