When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2026?
Wednesday, December 2The ceremony runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Eastern at Rockefeller Center in New York, and the lights come on near the end. There are no public tickets for it, but anyone can see the tree for free once it's lit, and it stays up into January.
Christmas dates
What day of the week is Christmas in 2026? 
When does Advent start in 2026? 
Why is Christmas on December 25? 
When should I put up my Christmas tree? 
When is the first day of winter in 2026? - Can I watch it on TV?
- NBC usually televises the ceremony. Its 2026 broadcast details hadn't been posted when this was checked.
- Do I need tickets to go in person?
- No public tickets exist. People watch from the surrounding streets, first come, first served.
See the whole Christmas Checklist
Last checked Monday, November 9.
From our shop Tartan tumbler Mr. Abernathy won't climb the tower without coffee, and he has never spilled a drop. Our tartan tumbler. 
