Tree Lighting Times at Rockefeller Center
What are tree lighting times for Rockefeller Center?
The Wednesday following Thanksgiving at 8:55 PM is the tentative time used for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center holiday tree. If one is not at the Rockefeller Center, they can see it illuminated on Television for five (5) minutes from 8:55 PM to 9:00 PM and replays during nightly news.
To see it in person, you are to be there as early as noon (with clothing and shoes that will keep you comfortable in November, December and January’s weather) as it is one of the most loved tree lighting ceremonies in New York.
In person, all visitors are able to see the tree illuminated for five (5) week between 5:30am – 11:30pm. On New Years Eve, however, it is shut off earlier (before 9:00 PM) to put more focus on the lowering of the New Years Eve ball in Times Square. On Christmas Day, it is illuminated for 24 hours for all to enjoy.
The fifth week following the annual lighting ceremony is the last week to see the tree illuminated as the in the week, the tree is taken down and recycled. The annual Christmas Tree Recycling allows The Boys Scouts of America to earn credits for Summer Camp, participation in high-adventure outing, vouchers for outdoor gear, as well as financing the Troop budget.
Erected: – This is the day the “holiday” tree will be erected after being trucked in.
Ceremony: – This is the first day the “holiday” tree will be illuminated.
Final: – This is the last day the “holiday” tree will be illuminated.
Recycle: – This is the day the “holiday” tree will be prepared for recycling.
Tentative: Tentative times are used as the tree has to be selected, prepared for cutting, transport via truck to Rockefeller Center then dressed with lights for the ceremony. For the safety of the public, the times are subject to change.
Confirmed: Confirmed times are used when safety and weather conditions will not be a factor.
2008:
Erected: Friday, November 14, 2008 (Confirmed)
Ceremony: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 (Confirmed)
Final: Friday, January 9, 2009 (Confirmed)
Recycle: Saturday, January 10, 2009 (Confirmed)
2009:
Erected: Thursday, November 12, 2009 (Confirmed)
Ceremony: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 (Confirmed)
Final: Thursday, January 7, 2010 (Confirmed)
Recycle: Friday, January 8, 2010 (Confirmed)
2010:
Erected: Thursday, November 11, 2010 (Tentative)
Ceremony: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 (Confirmed)
Final: Thursday, January 6, 2011 (Tentative)
Recycle: Friday, January 7, 2011 (Tentative)
2011:
Erected: Thursday, November 10, 2011 (Tentative)
Ceremony: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 (Confirmed)
Final: Thursday, January 5, 2012 (Tentative)
Recycle: Friday, January 6, 2012 (Tentative)
2012:
Erected: Thursday, November 8, 2012 (Tentative)
Ceremony: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 (Confirmed)
Final: Thursday, January 3, 2013 (Tentative)
Recycle: Friday, January 4, 2013 (Tentative)
2013:
Erected: Thursday, November 16, 2013 (Tentative)
Ceremony: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 (Confirmed)
Final: Thursday, January 2, 2014 (Tentative)
Recycle: Friday, January 3, 2014 (Tentative)
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