Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Tonight

UPDATE: The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will shine bright tonight, December 6, 2023, as it officially lights up New York City’s holiday season. The ceremony is set to begin just before 10 p.m., drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness this beloved annual tradition.

The magnificent 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce, sourced from a home in East Greenbush, New York, was generously donated by Judy Ross in memory of her late husband and family members. This tree holds sentimental value, planted by her husband’s great-grandparents in the 1920s.

The tree will be adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a stunning 900-pound Swarovski star, making it a sight to behold. As the lighting ceremony approaches, local authorities have announced significant street closures around Rockefeller Center, affecting traffic flow across Manhattan.

Drivers should prepare for extensive delays and closures on designated Gridlock Alert Days. New Yorkers are encouraged to opt for regional rail lines, subways, buses, ferries, cycling, or walking to navigate the city during this festive period.

This long-standing tradition began in 1931 when the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was erected to uplift spirits during the Great Depression. That inaugural tree was a modest 20-foot balsam fir, decorated with garlands made by the workers’ families. The first official lighting ceremony took place in 1933, cementing this event as a cherished holiday ritual.

As the countdown to the lighting begins, excitement builds across the city. This year’s tree symbolizes not only the holiday spirit but also the enduring legacy of family and community. Stay tuned for live updates and witness the magic unfold tonight at Rockefeller Center.