Travel Guide
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
About Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
New York's most famous holiday tree, a towering Norway spruce usually 70 to 90 feet tall, topped with a Swarovski star and strung with about 50,000 LED lights above the Rink at Rockefeller Center. It's typically lit the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and stays up into mid-January.
Nyc-and-chicago-at-christmas
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Visit late at night or early in the morning to avoid the thickest crowds.
Expect queues and one-way pedestrian routes around the plaza on busy evenings.
Reserve ice skating at the Rink well ahead, since December slots are pricey and sell out.
Cross Fifth Avenue to watch the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show on the store's facade.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, and it stays up until mid-January.
Opening Hours
Tree lightsApprox. 5:00 AM - midnight daily; 24 hours on Christmas Day
SeasonEarly December to mid-January
Access is heavily restricted on the night of the lighting ceremony, so visit on another evening.
Ticket Prices
Viewing the treeFree
Ice skating at The RinkApprox. USD 30-60+, plus skate rental
Top of the Rock observation deckApprox. USD 40-60
Skating and observation-deck prices peak in December, so book early.
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nyc-and-chicago-at-christmasRockefeller Center Christmas Tree
New York's most famous holiday tree, a towering Norway spruce usually 70 to 90 feet tall, topped with a Swarovski star and strung with about 50,000 LED lights above the Rink at Rockefeller Center. It's typically lit the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and stays up into mid-January.
View Details