Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting livestream 2024: How to watch the NYC ceremony, including free options
NBC and Peacock will air a two-hour special filled with music performances for the annual New York City event. Here’s how cord-cutters can watch.
BY Shannon Cudd
With a late Thanksgiving this year, it’s hard to believe that December is already here, meaning it’s time to bust out the festive decorations.
New York City is doing its part to spread holiday cheer with the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which will be illuminated tonight in a televised event for all to see.
The two-hour special, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center”—featuring the Radio City Rockettes dance company—kicks things off at 8 p.m. ET. Here’s a brief history of the event, what to expect this year, and how to tune in.
How did this whole thing get started?
This event got started by everyday laborers who wanted to enjoy some holiday cheer. The men working at Rockefeller Center pooled their money to purchase a Christmas tree in 1931.
Their families helped decorate the evergreen tree with homemade garlands and a tradition was born. Two years later, the center embraced the festivities and held its very first Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event was first televised in 1951.
What’s the story behind this year’s tree?
In 1967, newlyweds Earl and Leslie Albert planted a Norway Spruce at their West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home, NBC’s Today show reports. At the time it came up to their waist, but over the next 54 years it grew to be 74 feet tall.
In 2020, the spruce’s beauty caught the eye of Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener. He asked the family if they would be willing to donate it. A few days before, Leslie had passed away and her family could think of no better way to honor her memory.
The tree arrived in New York on November 9 to prepare for the big day. The Albert family will be present at the tree lighting and plan to make a memorial for Leslie where the tree once stood. It is sure to be an emotional moment for them seeing their tree adorned with 50,000 multicolor LED lights and a Swarovski star conceived by famed architect Daniel Libeskind.
Who will appear at the 2024 tree-lighting ceremony?
Beyond the tree itself, Christmas in Rockefeller Center is all about the music. Kelly Clarkson will host the festivities for the second year in a row. She will be supported by Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin.
The wide variety of musical performers offers a little something for everyone. The Backstreet Boys have boy bands covered, EGOT Jennifer Hudson is always a crowd-pleaser, and duo Dan + Shay are keeping it country. Latin Pop Queen Thalia will spice things up while Broadway star Megan Hilty may bust out a show tune or two.
How can I watch the tree-lighting ceremony and performances?
The event begins tonight (Wednesday, December 4, 2024) at 8 p.m. ET. Traditional cable subscribers can tune into NBC to catch this joyful event. If you have a pay-TV provider, you can also watch NBC on the network’s website or via its mobile apps. NBC is free over the air if you have an over-the-air antenna.
Cord-cutters can stream it on Peacock.
If you don’t have Peacock and don’t want to give it a try, another option is to use a live-TV streaming service that offers NBC as part of its bundle. Those include:
The services also offer free trials for new subscribers.
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