Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
We kicked off the holiday season with the annual lighting in the heart of New York City with Christmas in Rockefeller Center, which aired on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 8-10 p.m.
NBC News' TODAY co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin hosted the highly anticipated holiday special. Viewers were treated to festive performances by Alessia Cara, Harry Connick Jr., Mickey Guyton, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Rob Thomas, Carrie Underwood and more. The evening included a duet featuring Paisley and Thomas and a special performance by the Radio City Rockettes.
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Visiting Hours
History of the Tree
For more than eight decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has stood as a holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike. While the lights, decorations, and stars have changed through the years, visiting the Tree remains a quintessential New York experience.
The Christmas Tree FAQs
How big is the Tree?
The 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a 79ft tall Norway Spruce, 46 feet wide and weighs 12 tons.
How old is the Tree?
The 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is approximately 85 years old.
Where is this year's Tree from?
The 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree hails from Elkton, MD.
How many lights are on the Tree?
There are more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights on approximately 5 miles (8 km) of wire.
How big is the star on the Tree?
Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018, the three dimensional Swarovski star weighs approximately 900 pounds (408.23 kg) and features 70 spikes covered in 3 million crystals.
When does the Tree arrive in New York City?
To allow adequate time for it to be decorated before it’s lit, the Tree will arrive on Saturday, November 13.
How do I watch the Christmas Tree lighting?
Stay tuned for more information about public access to this year’s tree lighting. You are always invited to view the live national broadcast “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC.
When is the Tree lighting?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 1.
When does the Tree come down?
This is yet to be determined, but details about when the Tree will come down will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay informed about all the details, sign up for The Center newsletter.
Visiting Hours
Holidays
Habitat for Humanity—A Gift that Keeps on Giving
Donate Your Tree
The Holidays in The Center Magazine
Featuring seemingly as many holiday happenings as there are lights on the Tree, our Holiday Stories cover past and future events here.
Read Our Stories
Arts & Culture
The Tree Through the Years
Holiday highlights since 1931
Arts & Culture
Meet the Man Who Has Picked the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for Three Decades
Erik Pauze, the head gardener for Rockefeller Center and the man behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, gives the inside scoop on bringing holiday magic to 30 Rock.
