On Wednesday, Nov. 19th, the 75-foot Norwegian Spruce will be lit for the first time of the season at Rockefeller Center. Thousands are expected to show up in Midtown Manhattan to watch the tree lighting ceremony that will also feature performances from Brett Eldredge, Jennifer Nettles, Leslie Odom Jr., Pentatonix, Gwen Stefani and The Tenors.
The Rockefeller Tree tradition started in 1931 where a 20-foot balsam fir stood decorated with handmade garland. Since then, the Rockefeller tree attracts an estimated 125 million people every year, and this year will mark the 84th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting.
This years tree was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2010. Long island resident Erik Pauze spotted the tree and knocked on the residents door to ask them about it. This years tree will remain on display through Jan. 7th, and will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to be made into lumber to help build homes for those in need after it’s taken down.
The NYPD will be shutting down many streets near Rockefeller Center in observance of the ceremony, therefore those going to the ceremony should use public transportation.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2017 Viewing Details
Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
TV Channel: NBC
Location: Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2017 Date & Time
The 2017 Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29th, 2017. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EST, and will be available to watch on NBC.
The whole event, including musical performances, is expected to end around 9 p.m.
Those who will be watching the event from home can watch the NBC live coverage starting at 8 p.m.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2017 Location
Rockefeller Center has displayed a Christmas tree every year since 1931 and this year marks the 84th Lighting Ceremony that they will host. The ceremony will take place between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2017 Transportation
Those who are attending the event are encouraged to use public transportation since the NYPD will be closing many roads around Rockefeller Center for the event. The closest subway to Rockefeller Center is the 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center station on the B, D, F and M lines.
See below for a full list of street closures during the event.
- 5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
- 6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
- 46th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 47th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- Rockefeller Plaza between 48th Street and 51st Street
