Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
As the sun sets on the Big Apple, a magical tree is lit up like a Christmas star, dazzling the crowds and spreading holiday cheer.
Capitalize on the iconic Rockefeller Center tree lighting as a premium holiday season anchor for experiential marketing, retail promotions, and destination tourism campaigns.
- Behind-the-scenes countdown to the tree lighting with live social updates
- Holiday shopping guides tied to NYC destination experiences and nearby retail
- Family travel packages and hotel deals centered on the tree lighting ceremony
- Nostalgic storytelling about 90+ years of American holiday tradition
Campaign ideas8
- Partner with luxury retailers for exclusive holiday windows and in-store activations tied to tree lighting week (Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., FAO Schwarz model).
- Launch a branded tree-lighting night VIP experience: dinner, premium seating, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive photo ops at your brand location.
- Create limited-edition holiday collections or gift bundles announced during tree lighting week to drive urgency and foot traffic.
- Host a Instagram/TikTok photo contest: #YourRockefellerMoment featuring the tree, ice rink, and holiday crowds—best photos featured on brand accounts.
- Run a 6-week holiday campaign starting tree-lighting week with daily social content: tree facts, NBC broadcast updates, ice rink promos, nearby attractions.
- Activate 5th Avenue storefront with synchronized digital displays or projections timed to the tree lighting ceremony (similar to Saks model).
- Develop experiential activations like branded chalets, photo stations, or hot beverage lounges around the tree plaza during peak visiting hours.
- Partner with media on live coverage: exclusive backstage access for influencers, behind-the-scenes content, or special guest integrations during NBC broadcast.
Social angles6
- Pre-lighting countdown: 'Only X days until Rockefeller Center's 75-foot Norway Spruce lights up the Midtown night. Are you ready? 🎄✨ #RockefellerTree #HolidayMagic'
- Day-of excitement: 'The moment the lights flip on at Rockefeller Center is pure NYC holiday magic. 50,000 lights. One Swarovski star. Zero regrets. Watch it live tonight! 📺 #ChristmasInRockefellerCenter'
- Behind-the-scenes: 'It took 50,000 LED lights, a 900-pound Swarovski star, and an army of workers to bring this moment. See how it's made. 🎄 #HolidayMagic #RockefellerCenter'
- Ice rink tie-in: 'Nothing says NYC Christmas like skating beneath a glowing 75-foot tree. Where will you glide this season? ⛸️❄️ #TheRink #RockefellerCenter'
- Sustainability angle: 'After the holidays end, this tree gets a second life—milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes. That's the kind of holiday magic we love. 🌲❤️ #HolidayGivesBack'
- User-generated content: 'Tag us in your Rockefeller Center tree moments! 📸 We're featuring the best holiday photos all season long. #MyRockefellerMoment #HolidaySeason'
Ad copy starters5
“"Rockefeller Center's 50,000 lights just came on. Your holiday season officially starts now." (Luxury/experiential)”
“"The tree that defines NYC Christmas is lit. Ice skate beneath it, photograph it, make memories under it. #RockefellerMagic" (Lifestyle/tourism)”
“"Every year, a tree. Every year, magic. Welcome to one of the world's most iconic holiday moments." (Prestige/emotional)”
“"You've seen the photos. Now experience it. Live performances, 75 feet of holiday brilliance, a Swarovski star. Tonight at Rockefeller." (Event promotion)”
“"This tree didn't start at Rockefeller Center—it starts a new chapter in a Habitat for Humanity home. Shop with purpose this season." (CSR/values)”
Tips4
- DO: Start building buzz 3-4 weeks before December 3—social teasers, countdown content, and influencer seeding drive awareness early. The event itself has massive earned media coverage, so lean into owned/paid to cut through.
- DON'T: Wait until the week of to launch. Early November is critical for driving attendance and foot traffic. NBC's broadcast (Dec 3, 8pm EST) is a major moment—have social scheduled, ads running, and real-time engagement planned.
- DO: Emphasize the 360 experience—not just the tree, but ice skating, luxury shopping at Saks/Tiffany, dining, celebrity performances. Create a full-day itinerary angle to extend engagement beyond the lighting ceremony itself.
- DON'T: Ignore sustainability and legacy—the tree's post-holiday life (Habitat donation since 2007) is a compelling brand story that aligns with values-conscious audiences. Weave it into storytelling for deeper emotional connection.
The first set up of the Rockefeller Christmas tree began in December 1931 when demolition workers at the Rockefeller Center construction site gathered their money together to buy a Christmas tree. The 20-feet high Balsam fir was decorated with handmade garlands by the men’s families. This is considered to be first unofficial set up of the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting. It wasn’t until 1933 when the Rockefeller Plaza opened with a 50-feet tall tree labeled the holiday beacon for New Yorkers. Since then, the skating rink opened in 1936 and the Rockefeller tree became a traditional stable in an American tradition.
Since 1933, there have been many historical moments at the Rockefeller Center involving lighting the Christmas tree. In 1942, workers put up a modest selection of multiple trees and from 1944 to 1945 the trees went unlit due to blackout regulations and the effects of WWII. Many other changes have included the addition of recycling the trees and using LED lights to decorate in order to save energy and money. Another tradition that has occurred is the singing of the song Joy to the World by people during the lighting ceremony since 2011. Today, more than half a million people see the tree each day from its first lighting to its takedown after the new years holiday.