Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting 2024: Dates, Location, and Broadcast Details
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony for 2024 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. EST in Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. The event is broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, with the tree typically remaining lit until January 2025. The ceremony includes performances, celebrity appearances, and the iconic lighting of the tree, which draws millions of in-person viewers and online audiences. For the latest broadcast schedule, visit the NBC official page at NBC.com.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center tree is a Norway spruce sourced from a donor family in New Jersey, continuing the tradition since 1931. The tree is transported on a flatbed truck and raised into place by crane weeks before the lighting. The ceremony is free and open to the public, with tickets distributed through a lottery system managed by Rockefeller Center. The tree lighting marks the official start of the holiday season in New York City and is one of the most-watched annual events globally.
Costs, Sponsors, and Economic Impact of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting is funded through a combination of corporate sponsorships, media partnerships, and tourism revenue. Major sponsors have included companies in retail, finance, and consumer goods, with the total cost of the tree, installation, and ceremony estimated in the millions of dollars. The tree is typically donated, and the lighting and decoration are handled by specialized crews using thousands of LED lights and a star or angel topper. The event generates significant economic activity for New York City hotels, restaurants, and retail stores during the holiday season.
The economic impact extends beyond the ceremony itself, as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a top-rated tourist attraction year-round. According to city tourism data, the tree and surrounding plaza attract millions of visitors annually, supporting local businesses and creating seasonal employment. The lighting ceremony is also a major driver of viewership for NBC, which uses the broadcast to promote other holiday programming. For financial analysis of the event's economic footprint, see the New York City tourism report at NYC.gov.
How to Watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Online and In Person
Viewers can watch the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony live on NBC and stream it on Peacock, with coverage typically starting one hour before the lighting. The official Rockefeller Center website provides real-time updates, camera angles, and behind-the-scenes content. The event is also covered by major news outlets including CNN, ABC, and CBS, with live streams available on their respective platforms. For the official ceremony schedule and updates, visit the Rockefeller Center official page at RockefellerCenter.com.
In-person attendance requires free tickets distributed through a public lottery, with the application process typically opening in October. The plaza is accessible via the New York City subway, with the 4, 5, 6, B, D, F, and M lines serving the 42nd Street–Bryant Park and 42nd Street–Port Authority stations. Security screening is in place, and attendees are advised to arrive early. The tree lighting is one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the United States, with a history spanning over nine decades and a global audience that continues to grow each year.