The main NYC Christmas tree lighting people ask about is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. For the upcoming 2026 season, that ceremony is scheduled for December 2, 2026 in the evening, typically around 7 p.m. local time, with the exact broadcast details usually confirmed closer to the date.

Key details

  • Event: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
  • Date (2026): December 2, 2026.
  • Time: Evening event; recent years have started around 7 p.m. during the live TV special.
  • Location: Rockefeller Center, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, roughly 48th–51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

Helpful tips

  • The lighting is usually on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving , so future dates often follow that pattern, though you should always confirm the specific year.
  • Streets around Rockefeller Center can close and get extremely crowded well before the ceremony, so arriving very early is common advice.
  • Once lit, the tree typically stays on display and illuminated daily through early to mid-January.

If you are planning to go in person, check official NYC tourism or Rockefeller Center pages as the season approaches for the exact year’s confirmed time and any security or access updates.