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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

the rockefeller center christmas tree

Holiday Magic Starts Here

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree returns to the Plaza on November 7, marking the start of another holiday season at Rockefeller Center. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place December 2. Check back for more details as the season gets closer.

Visiting Hours

The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives November 7 and will be lit during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2.

Check back for visiting hours and additional details.

Contact

1-877-692-7625[email protected]
History of the Tree

The First Tree

In December 1931, Rockefeller Center construction workers pooled their money to purchase a 20-foot balsam fir. Decorated with handmade garlands from their families, the tree was raised on Christmas Eve—marking the beginning of a lasting tradition.
Black-and-white photo of construction workers gathered around the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 1931, decorated with simple garlands.
Black-and-white photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree illuminated at night during the early 1930s, with lights glowing across the branches.
Black-and-white photo of skaters on the Rockefeller Center rink in 1936, with two Christmas trees towering above the ice.
Black-and-white photo of multiple Christmas trees at Rockefeller Center in 1942, decorated simply during World War II with minimal lighting.
Black-and-white photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree being hoisted into place by a crane in 1951, with onlookers below.
Black-and-white photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 1955, decorated with lights and ornaments as crowds gather around the rink below.
Black-and-white photo of sculptor Valerie Clarebout shaping a wire angel figure, part of the Rockefeller Center holiday display introduced in 1969.
Color photo of a barge carrying the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree along the Hudson River with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Color photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree being unloaded from a large cargo plane onto a truck in 1998.
Color photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree fully lit in 1999, towering above the rink and surrounded by crowds.
Nighttime photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2001, illuminated above the rink with skaters and crowds gathered below.
Close-up photo of the Swarovski star atop the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, sparkling with crystal facets and lights.
Color photo of architect Daniel Libeskind standing beside the redesigned Swarovski star, showing its illuminated crystal spikes before installation.

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men in construction gear using a machine to cut wood

Habitat for Humanity—A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Continuing a longstanding holiday tradition, the 2026 Christmas Tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, milled, treated, and made into lumber that will be used for home building. A symbol of hope, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree inspired the children’s book, The Carpenter’s Gift, written by David Rubel and illustrated by Jim LaMarche in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity.

Learn more

Catch the magic as it happens.

See the holidays come to life at Rockefeller Center