After having to miss the event in 2020, the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony is back for 2021 to get you in the holiday spirit. The lighting of the Christmas tree will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and will air live as part of the NBC special “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”
This year, the 79 feet tall Norway spruce hails from Maryland, a pivot from the traditional New York-grown trees the center has used since the beginning of the tradition in 1933. But the tree will be no less grand, adorned with 50,000 multi-colored lights and crowned with a star made from three million Swarovski crystals.
This year’s festivities will be hosted by NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker, with performing guests including the Radio City Rockettes, Carrie Underwood, Mickey Guyton, Harry Connick Jr., Brad Paisley, Alessia Cara, Norah Jones, Rob Thomas and the Broadway cast of “Come From Away.”
Spectators are allowed this year, but if you’d rather watch from the cozy comfort of your own home than brave the North Eastern cold, there are a few ways to do it.
How to Watch the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
The 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is airing on NBC at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 1
The event will air on NBC and will also be broadcast on Peacock. In addition, you can watch NBC with an antenna or stream on the following services:
- fuboTV has NBC covered with the fuboTV Starter plan for $65/month (Free Trial)
- Hulu with Live also carries NBC for $65/month (Free Trial)
- DIRECTV STREAM includes NBC in its Entertainment package for $70/month.
- YouTube TV includes NBC with a $65/month subscription (Free Trial)
- Sling TV includes NBC in their Sling Blue package for $35/month