The Definitive Guide To The 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting: Date, Star-Studded Performers, And The Tree’s Surprising Origin

The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is arguably the most famous holiday tradition in the world, and the 2024 ceremony promises to be a spectacular, star-studded event. This year’s celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the iconic New York City tradition, drawing millions of viewers globally to witness the moment the massive Norway Spruce is illuminated, officially kicking off the Christmas season in Midtown Manhattan. The latest information confirms a packed lineup of musical talent, a precise date for the ceremony, and fascinating details about the majestic tree itself, including its unique origin story.

As of today, December 12, 2025, the 2024 ceremony details are fully confirmed, providing a fresh, up-to-date guide for anyone planning to attend the event or watch the national broadcast. From the tree’s journey from Massachusetts to the technical marvel of its 900-pound star, this guide covers every essential detail you need to know about the most anticipated holiday event of the year.

All Confirmed Details: Date, Time, Broadcast, and Star-Studded Lineup

The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is a highly coordinated event, combining a live concert, a national television broadcast, and the historic moment the lights are switched on. Securing a spot to view the event live at Rockefeller Plaza is notoriously difficult, making the broadcast a preferred option for many.

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The Official Ceremony Date and Time

The 92nd annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This date continues the long-standing tradition of lighting the tree on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving.

• Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• Festivities Start: 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• Official Lighting: Approximately 10:00 PM ET
• Location: Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Midtown Manhattan.

How to Watch the 2024 Lighting Ceremony

The event is broadcast as a two-hour special, "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," featuring all the live performances and the climactic lighting.

• Television Broadcast: Live on NBC
• Live Stream: Simul-streamed on Peacock

The Full List of 2024 Performers and Host

The ceremony is known for attracting A-list talent, and the 2024 lineup is exceptionally star-studded, featuring a mix of pop, country, and Broadway icons.

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The confirmed host for the evening is country music legend and television personality Reba McEntire, who brings her signature charm to the holiday special.

The roster of performers includes a diverse range of high-profile artists:

• The Backstreet Boys (Pop Group)
• Jennifer Hudson (Oscar and Grammy Winner)
• Dan + Shay (Country Duo)
• Thalia (Mexican Singer and Actress)
• Coco Jones (R&B Singer)
• Megan Hilty (Broadway Star)
• Little Big Town (Country Group)
• RAYE (British Singer-Songwriter)
• The Radio City Rockettes (Holiday Tradition)

This extensive list of performers ensures the two-hour special will be a high-energy, must-watch event, appealing to a wide demographic of holiday music fans.

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The 2024 Rockefeller Tree: A Norway Spruce with a Surprising Origin

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is always a massive Norway Spruce, chosen for its density, shape, and ability to withstand the winter elements. However, the 2024 selection carries a unique historical footnote, adding an extra layer of interest to this year's centerpiece.

The Tree’s Specifications and Journey

The 2024 tree is a magnificent specimen, standing tall over Rockefeller Plaza.

• Type: Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
• Height: 74-feet tall
• Weight: Approximately 11 tons
• Diameter: Roughly 45 feet

The most unique detail this year is the tree's origin. The Norway Spruce was sourced from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This marks the first time a tree has been selected from Massachusetts since 1959, making the 2024 tree a significant historical choice.

The tree arrived in New York City on Saturday, November 9, 2024, where it was hoisted into position by a crane and began the elaborate process of being decorated with miles of wire and thousands of lights.

The Dazzling Star and Lights: A Technical Marvel

The sheer scale of the decorations is part of what makes the Rockefeller Tree an international landmark. The 2024 tree is wrapped with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, strung across approximately five miles of wire.

Crowning the tree is the magnificent Swarovski Star, a modern marvel of design and engineering. This star, which has topped the tree since 2018, was designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The star is a three-dimensional, nine-foot-wide geometric wonder, weighing a staggering 900 pounds and featuring three million Swarovski crystals. It is the pinnacle of the holiday display, catching the light from every angle and serving as a beacon for the entire plaza.

Visitor Information and Post-Lighting Viewing Hours

While the lighting ceremony itself is a one-night event, the tree remains lit for weeks, providing ample opportunity for visitors to experience the holiday spirit in person. The area around Rockefeller Center, including the famous ice rink and the Channel Gardens, becomes the epicenter of holiday activity in New York City.

Public Viewing Hours and Duration

Following the December 4th lighting, the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be illuminated daily through mid-January 2025. This extended viewing period allows tourists and locals alike to plan their visit without the intense crowds of the lighting night.

• Daily Viewing Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
• Christmas Day: The tree remains lit for a full 24 hours.
• New Year’s Eve: The lights are turned off at 9:00 PM.
• Final Day: The tree will be taken down in mid-January 2025.

The Tree’s Legacy: Habitat for Humanity

A key element of the Rockefeller Center tradition is the tree’s commitment to sustainability and charity. After the holiday season concludes and the tree is taken down, the wood is milled, treated, and donated to Habitat for Humanity. This lumber is then used in the construction of homes for families in need.

This post-holiday plan transforms the iconic symbol of Christmas into a tangible symbol of hope and community, extending the tree's purpose far beyond its time in Rockefeller Plaza. This charitable component ensures that the legacy of the 2024 Norway Spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, will live on in new homes across the country.

The 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lighting is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history. With a spectacular 74-foot tree, a full slate of world-class performers, and the dazzling three-million-crystal Swarovski Star, the ceremony on Wednesday, December 4th, is a can't-miss event. Whether you brave the crowds in Midtown or watch the broadcast from home, this beloved tradition continues to serve as the global centerpiece for the Christmas season.