The main Christmas tree lighting event in NYC is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, which traditionally takes place on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving each year.

Quick Scoop

  • For the 2025 holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025 , in the evening during the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast.
  • The tree then stays lit daily through early to mid-January, typically from early morning until midnight, with extended hours on Christmas Day and shorter hours on New Year’s Eve.

Looking Ahead to 2026

  • The event follows a clear pattern: first Wednesday after Thanksgiving, with Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
  • Some event vendors and guides already list the 2026 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting as taking place on Wednesday, December 2, 2026 , in the evening.

Other NYC Tree Lightings

While Rockefeller Center is the most famous, there are multiple neighborhood and park tree lightings around NYC (for example, Tompkins Square Park and various community parks) that typically occur in late November or early December, each with its own schedule announced closer to the season.

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Find out when is the Christmas tree lighting in NYC , including the official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting date, typical schedule, and what to expect from NYC’s most iconic holiday event.

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