How To Watch The 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting On TV: Date, Time, Performers, And Streaming Guide

The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the undisputed kickoff to the holiday season in New York City, a global spectacle watched by millions. This year, the iconic ceremony promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, solidifying its place as a must-see event on the December calendar. The 2024 ceremony, officially titled "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," features a star-studded lineup of performers, a beloved host, and a magnificent Norway Spruce that will shine with over 50,000 LED lights.

For those eager to witness this momentous occasion from the comfort of their homes, the entire event is broadcast live, bringing the magic of Midtown Manhattan directly to your living room. Here is the complete, up-to-the-minute guide on how to watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2024 on TV, including the official date, time, channel, and a deep dive into the tree's unique story.

The 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting: Date, Time, and TV Channel

The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This highly anticipated event follows a long-standing tradition of lighting the tree in the week following Thanksgiving, officially launching the festive season in New York City. The broadcast is a two-hour special packed with musical performances and celebrity appearances.

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• Official Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• Broadcast Time: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• TV Channel: Live broadcast on NBC
• Streaming Platform: Live stream available on Peacock

The ceremony is a live television event, meaning viewers on the West Coast will need to tune in according to their local time zone or stream the event on demand shortly after the East Coast broadcast concludes. The live coverage ensures that audiences worldwide can experience the moment the Norway Spruce is illuminated.

Star-Studded Lineup: Performers and Host for 2024

The "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" special is renowned for featuring some of the biggest names in music, and the 2024 event was no exception. The lineup included a mix of pop, R&B, country, and Latin music stars, ensuring a festive performance for every taste. The ceremony also featured a beloved country music icon stepping into the role of host.

The Official 2024 Performer List

The 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting performers brought incredible energy and classic holiday cheer to the stage. The confirmed acts included:

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• Backstreet Boys: The iconic boy band delivered a performance of holiday classics.
• Jennifer Hudson: The Oscar and Grammy winner added her powerful vocals to the celebration.
• Kelly Clarkson: The "Miss Independent" singer and TV host performed for the crowd.
• Dan + Shay: The country music duo brought their harmonies to the festive stage.
• Thalía: The Mexican singer and actress dazzled the audience with her performance.
• And many other celebrity guests and musical acts.

Who Hosted the 2024 Ceremony?

Country music superstar and "The Voice" coach Reba McEntire was set to host the 2024 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony. Her presence added a warm, familiar touch to the massive NYC holiday tradition, guiding viewers through the musical acts and the countdown to the grand illumination.

The Majestic 2024 Norway Spruce: Facts and Origin

The true star of the show every year is, of course, the magnificent tree itself. The selection process is a closely guarded secret, but the details of the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree have been revealed, offering fascinating insights into this year's centerpiece. The tree is always a massive Norway Spruce, chosen for its density, shape, and ability to hold the thousands of lights and the massive star.

Key Facts About the 2024 Rockefeller Tree

• Tree Type: Norway Spruce
• Height: Approximately 74–75 feet tall
• Width: Stretches about 43–45 feet wide
• Weight: Roughly 11 tons (equivalent to 22 grand pianos)
• Number of Lights: Over 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights
• Star: Topped with the famous Swarovski Star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

The Tree’s Humble Origin Story

Each year, the tree is selected from a private yard or property, and the 2024 specimen came with a touching backstory. The 2024 tree’s origin was West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It was generously donated by Earl Albert from his yard. Notably, the donation was made in honor of his late wife, Leslie Albert, adding a deeply personal and heartfelt element to the grand holiday display. This tradition of sourcing the tree from local communities is a reminder of the event's humble beginnings and its connection to everyday Americans.

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Historical Context and Post-Lighting Viewing Information

The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony has a rich history that dates back to the Great Depression. The first tree was erected by construction workers in 1931, but the first official, televised lighting ceremony took place in 1933. Since 1997, the event has been broadcast live on NBC, turning a local New York event into a global holiday phenomenon. The actual lighting of the tree is traditionally performed by the current Mayor of New York City, along with the CEO of Tishman Speyer (the owner of Rockefeller Center) and special guests.

When Can I See the Tree After the Lighting?

The tree remains lit and on display for the public to enjoy throughout the entire holiday season. If you miss the live NBC broadcast or are planning a trip to New York, the tree viewing schedule is as follows:

• Daily Hours: The tree is typically lit daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
• Christmas Day: The tree will remain lit for 24 continuous hours.
• New Year’s Eve: The lights are turned off at 9:00 PM on New Year's Eve.
• Final Day: The tree is usually taken down in mid-January.

Whether you watch the spectacle on Peacock streaming or on the traditional NBC TV channel, the 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting is an essential part of the winter experience. It serves as a beacon of hope and holiday cheer, drawing millions together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.