This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is observed on December 1st.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you ought to know about Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
📅 What day is Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2024?
In 2024, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 1st. It is the 1st Friday in December; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about December 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a popular event that happens every year on December 1st. It follows the tradition of lighting a Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, which is usually done in mid-November. The tree is lit during a public ceremony on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, and the event is broadcasted by N.B.C. The Mayor of New York City typically has the honor of lighting the tree.
📜 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting History
To continue the tradition, the first official Christmas tree was placed in Rockefeller Plaza two years after the occasion in 1933. Since then, it has become an annual custom to have a Christmas tree in the plaza.
After the tree is lit, there is an annual ceremony attended by important people, celebrities, and tourists from all over the world. This event is often broadcast on the N.B.C. news channel, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
Preparations for the lighting begin in early November. The chosen tree is transported to the plaza and scaffolding is set up around it. Workers then hang around 50,000 multicolored LED lights and the iconic crystal star on top of the tree.
Traditionally, the trees used for the celebration are donated from New York and neighboring states. However, in recent years, trees have been brought from as far as Ohio, transported in large cargo planes to the center.
Erik Pauzé, the head gardener of the plaza, is responsible for finding the desired trees in upstate New York and nearby states. He also evaluates trees submitted for consideration through the center’s website.
✅ Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Facts
🔖 It’s a century-old tradition
In 2020, the 88th annual lighting ceremony for the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center occurred.
🔖 It inspired a children’s book
According to popular belief, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree served as the inspiration for the children’s book titled “The Carpenter’s Gift,” which was written by David Rubel and illustrated by Jim LaMarche.
🔖 Its star has over 3 million crystals
The star on the tree is made by Swarovski and is three-dimensional. It is extremely heavy, weighing over 900 pounds. The star has 70 spikes, all covered in a stunning coating of 3 million crystals.
👍 Why Is Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Important
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is generally followed by a series of concerts by artists and bands from around the United States. We get to see these incredible performers live!
The LED-lit star ornament on the Christmas tree is undoubtedly one of the numerous reasons travelers gather from all over the country to see the celebration. It’s fantastic!
Oh, the skating rink, and how lovely the Christmas tree seems from there! This is most likely the most entertaining way to watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
🙂 How To Observe Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
⚡ Talk about it on social media
⚡ Attend the lighting ceremony
The ultimate way to have a great time and witness the event is by going to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. In previous years, renowned artists such as Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Dolly Parton have graced the stage with their performances.
⚡ Watch it live on TV
Share your social media experience from the event to get others excited about the holiday season. Use #rockefellercenter, #rockefellerplaza, or #rockcenter as hashtags.
📅 When is Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2023 | December 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 1 | Wednesday |
See all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.
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