2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: How, When, And Where To Watch
With Thanksgiving officially over, it’s really hard for people to speak out against others for putting up their Christmas decorations. That being said, New York City is going full out with their very best, and that includes the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Even if you can’t be up in the frigid state of New York for the lighting later this week, you can watch it all on TV. Here’s all the information you need to join in on the festivities.
It truly is a lot of fun to watch this event every year because NBC gives a little something for everyone during the special. There are celebrities who stop by to offer well wishes and festive greetings for the holiday season. Musical guests will show up to give live performances for both those in attendance and everyone else watching at home as well.
For those wondering, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be hosted by some of the anchors from TheToday Show, and numerous musical guests will perform. John Legend, Martina McBride, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Brett Eldredge, and Pentatonix are just some of the musical performers and celebrity guests being featured.
Of course, the main attraction coming this Wednesday will be the lighting of the tree, and you need to know how to watch it from home — or wherever you may be.
As reported by Today, the 72-foot tall, 12-ton Norway spruce arrived in New York City earlier this month and was set in place in Rockefeller Center. More than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star will adorn the beautiful tree which will be in place throughout the Christmas season until January 7, 2019.
- Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2018
- Time: 8 – 10 p.m. Eastern, the lighting actually takes place around 9 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC
- Live-stream: NBC New York, 5th Avenue Cam (possible view)
Again, don’t forget that the actual lighting of the tree usually takes place halfway through the broadcast. If you’re not planning on watching the whole thing, make sure you tune in around 9 p.m. ET to see the tree light up.
For those who will be in New York City for the lighting, Free Tours By Foot is recommending you show up by 3 p.m. — and no later than 4 p.m. — if you want a good spot. The event draws huge crowds every single year, and you don’t want to get pushed far back into the crowd by showing up late.
A star reborn: For the first time in 15 years, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree topper has been redesigned. https://t.co/hKCzwW6UpH
— waaytv (@WAAYTV) November 23, 2018
If you’re not there for the lighting ceremony itself, the tree in Rockefeller Center will light up each evening at 5:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. through January 7, 2019. On Christmas Day, the lights will stay on for a full 24 hours to honor the holiday. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is iconic to the season and something that everyone should be able to enjoy when it lights up for the first time.
