The Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit tonight and remain lit until January, 13 leaving enough time to plan a visit.
This year's tree is an 80-foot-tall Norway Spruce and will be lit for the first time in New York City just before 10 pm on Wednesday night.
Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree via Rockefellar Center IG
How can you watch from home?
The tree lighting will kick off with a festive “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special on NBC and Peacock with host and performer Kelly Clarkson at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Clarkson will be joined by Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. An additional pre-show will also be broadcast on NBC-owned Television stations and several NBC affiliates starting at 7 p.m. ET.
You can also tune in to Rockefeller Center’s Instagram page where the social media team will share live images of the night on its stories as well as upload a reel right after the tree is lit.
For those in and around New York City, you can watch the lighting in person -
For those who want to watch the lighting in person, you must enter from specific spectator entry points on either 48 Street and Sixth Avenue or on 51 Street and Sixth Avenue, according to the NYPD. These entry points open at about 4 p.m.
An accessible viewing area will also be available on the southwest corner of 49 Street and Rockefeller Plaza.
The NYPD said viewers are prohibited from bringing several items to the ceremony, including lawn chairs, blankets, large coolers, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, alcohol, or any items that can “obstruct or interfere with another spectator’s enjoyment of the event.”
Where does the tree come from?
The tree comes from Vestal, NY, just west of Binghamton and is estimated to be about 80 to 85 years old.
How many lights are on the tree?
In total, the tree features more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung along a 5 miles of wire! The Swarovski crystal star on top is covered in 3 million crystals and weighs about 900 pounds.
What happens when the tree is taken down?
Once the holiday season is over, the large tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and milled into lumber, a tradition since 2007. Wood from a Norway spruce is a great material for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry.