Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to Light Up NYC Tonight!

UPDATE: The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit tonight, December 6, 2023, at 10 p.m., marking the official start of the holiday season in New York City. This year’s magnificent 75-foot Norway Spruce, generously donated by Judy Ross of East Greenbush, New York, is set to dazzle onlookers with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and a stunning 900-pound Swarovski star atop its branches.

Judy Ross, who donated the tree in memory of her late husband, shared that it was planted by her husband’s great-grandparents in the 1920s. This beloved tradition, which began during the Great Depression, serves as a beacon of hope and joy for many visitors and locals alike.

As the tree lighting approaches, significant street closures will be implemented around Rockefeller Center. Drivers in Manhattan should prepare for extensive delays as the city gears up for increased holiday traffic. Authorities recommend using regional rail lines, the subway, buses, ferries, cycling, or walking to navigate the city during this festive period.

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was erected in 1931, featuring a modest 20-foot balsam fir adorned with handmade garlands, symbolizing resilience and community spirit. The inaugural tree-lighting ceremony took place in 1933, and since then, it has grown into one of New York City’s most cherished holiday traditions.

New Yorkers and tourists alike are eagerly anticipating this year’s lighting ceremony, an event that promises to draw large crowds and spread holiday cheer. Join the celebration tonight and witness the magic that lights up Manhattan!

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as this iconic moment unfolds. Share your experience and photos using #RockefellerTreeLighting!