If you’re wondering what time the Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2023 is scheduled for, look no further. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this iconic event, from its history and features to the star-studded hosts and guests. Get ready to experience the festive spirit and witness the grand illumination of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for 2023.
Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony 2023
The much-anticipated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for 2023 promises to be a dazzling spectacle, transforming the heart of Midtown Manhattan into a winter wonderland. The iconic Rockefeller Center has been abuzz with activity as it prepares to usher in the holiday season in grand style. This year’s star attraction is a majestic 12-ton Norway spruce, graciously donated from Vestal, New York. Since its arrival, dedicated crews have been hard at work, meticulously adorning the towering tree with over 50,000 multicolored lights. The result is a breathtaking display that is sure to capture the magic and spirit of the festive season.
The meticulous decoration process involved wrapping the tree in approximately five miles of LED lights, creating a radiant glow that will illuminate the surroundings. The pièce de résistance is a spectacular 900-pound star perched atop the tree, a radiant beacon adorned with an impressive three million Swarovski crystals. This dazzling crown adds an extra layer of glamour to the already stunning spectacle, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
As the clock ticks closer to Wednesday night, anticipation is building for the grand moment when the switch will be flipped during the traditional tree lighting ceremony. The Rockefeller Center plaza will come alive with the warm, festive glow of the meticulously adorned tree, marking the official start of the holiday season in the heart of New York City.
Visitors and spectators from near and far are expected to gather to witness this iconic event, soaking in the festive atmosphere and capturing the magic through photographs and cherished memories. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing the joy and unity of the holiday season, and this year’s spectacle is poised to be a memorable celebration that will light up the spirits of all who attend.
What Time is the Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2023?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for 2023 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. However, it’s worth noting that while the show begins at 8 p.m., the actual illumination of the tree is set to occur “a few minutes before 10 p.m. EST,” as stated on the Rockefeller Center’s website.
Following the grand lighting event, the adorned tree will continue to spread holiday cheer daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13 at 10 p.m. During Christmas Day, the tree will be lit for a continuous 24 hours, creating a festive ambiance throughout the day and night. On New Year’s Eve, the tree will be illuminated from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering a special glow to usher in the new year.
For those looking to experience the enchanting display, it’s important to take note of the schedule and plan accordingly. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will continue to shine bright throughout the celebratory season, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors and New Yorkers alike. The tree is slated to be taken down on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 10 p.m., marking the conclusion of this annual holiday tradition.
Features of Rockefeller Tree 2023
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for 2023, though slightly smaller than the previous year, stands proudly at 80 feet, creating a captivating centerpiece for holiday joy. Its impressive dimensions include a towering height of 80 feet and a sprawling width of 43 feet, ensuring that it remains a majestic symbol of the festive season.
Adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, the tree is a nightly spectacle, illuminating the surroundings from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. throughout the celebratory season. Notably, on Christmas Day, the tree will shine continuously for a full 24 hours, adding an extra touch of magic to the day’s festivities.
The distinctive three-dimensional star atop the tree is a masterpiece designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. This radiant star weighs an impressive 900 pounds and features 70 spikes, each covered in a stunning array of 3 million crystals, according to the Rockefeller Center. The star’s intricate design adds an extra layer of glamour to the tree, making it a standout feature that contributes to the overall enchantment of the holiday display.
After fulfilling its festive duty, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will take on a new purpose. True to the spirit of giving, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International, where it will be repurposed into lumber. This sustainable initiative ensures that the tree’s legacy extends beyond the holiday season, contributing to the construction of furniture, flooring, and cabinetry—a meaningful and eco-friendly conclusion to its role in spreading holiday joy at the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
History of Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has a rich history that spans over 80 years, making it a beloved and enduring holiday tradition in the heart of New York City. The tradition was inaugurated in 1931 when workers at the Rockefeller Center came together to create a festive display. They pooled their resources to purchase a Christmas tree, a symbol of joy and celebration during the holiday season. The tree, adorned with handmade garlands crafted by the workers’ families, marked the humble beginnings of what would evolve into an iconic annual event.
Recognizing the potential for a cherished tradition, the Rockefeller Center formalized the practice in 1933. It was during this year that the first official tree lighting ceremony took place, transforming the act of adorning a Christmas tree into a public spectacle that would capture the imaginations of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Since its inception, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has become a symbol of holiday cheer, unity, and the magic of the season. The tradition has evolved over the years, with each tree bringing its unique charm to the iconic plaza. The ceremony has grown into a major event, drawing crowds and television audiences from around the world.
As the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree continues to light up the Manhattan skyline each year, it serves as a beacon of joy and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the holiday season. The history of this tradition reflects the power of community, shared celebrations, and the timeless appeal of coming together to embrace the festive spirit.
Host and Guests of Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2023
The prestigious Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for 2023 promises a star-studded affair with a lineup of notable personalities set to host and perform. Leading the festivities as the host is the talented Kelly Clarkson, and she will be accompanied by NBC’s “TODAY” stars Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, adding their charisma and excitement to the event.
Joining the luminous lineup of hosts are a plethora of renowned celebrities who will contribute to the magical atmosphere of the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony. Cher, whose star performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade garnered acclaim, will return to grace the occasion with her presence. The legendary 80-year-old singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, known for hits such as “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” will bring his musical prowess to the celebration.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event, actress, singer, and television host Keke Palmer, recognized for her roles in “Scream Queens,” “Hustlers,” and the lead character on the teen sitcom ‘True Jackson, VP,’ will be among the distinguished guests. “Dynasty” actress Liz Gillies and “Family Guy” creator and voice actor Seth MacFarlane, who recently released their Christmas album “We Wish You the Merriest,” will contribute to the festive ambiance.
The world-renowned Rockettes, known for their precision and elegance, will grace the ceremony with a performance from their “Christmas Spectacular,” bringing the magic of their usual Radio City venue to the Rockefeller Center.
The star-studded list of guests extends further to include Darlene Love, acclaimed as the “Christmas Queen” by David Letterman, who will return to enchant the audience with her rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Additionally, instrumentalist Adam Blackstone, Grammy-award-winning musician David Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee, singer-songwriter Chlöe, country singer Carly Pearce, and Colombian sensation Manuel Turizo will each add their unique talents to the festivities.
With such an impressive lineup of hosts and guests, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for 2023 is poised to be a memorable and star-filled celebration, capturing the essence of the holiday season in the heart of Manhattan.
How to See Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2023?
There are multiple ways to experience the magic of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, catering to both in-person and virtual audiences.
For those who prefer to witness the spectacle from the comfort of their homes, NBC will be broadcasting the event, offering a traditional viewing experience. Additionally, the celebrations will be accessible on various streaming platforms, including Peacock, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV. This allows a wider audience to enjoy the musical performances and the enchanting moment when the tree is illuminated.
For those in the vicinity or planning to visit New York City during the holiday season, experiencing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in person is a unique and magical opportunity. The tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. until midnight until January 13, creating a festive atmosphere in the iconic plaza. Notably, on Christmas Day, the tree will remain illuminated for a continuous 24 hours, providing a special treat for those celebrating the holiday in the city. On New Year’s Eve, the tree will be lit from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., contributing to the city’s lively festivities.
What Time is the Rockefeller Tree Lighting 2023 – FAQs
- What time is the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony scheduled for in 2023? The Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony for 2023 is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
- When will the actual tree illumination occur during the ceremony? The tree will be illuminated “a few minutes before 10 p.m. EST” on the night of the ceremony, as mentioned on the Rockefeller Center’s website.
- How long will the Rockefeller Christmas Tree be lit each day? The tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13. On Christmas Day, it will remain illuminated for a continuous 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- When is the scheduled removal date for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2023? The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is scheduled to be taken down on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 10 p.m.
- Can I watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting online, and if so, on which platforms? Yes, the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony can be watched online. NBC will broadcast the event, and it will also be available for streaming on platforms such as Peacock, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV, providing accessibility for a wider audience.
