Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The arrival of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beloved annual tradition that marks the start of the holiday season in New York City. While the exact date varies each year, the tree typically arrives in early to mid-November, often transported on a custom flatbed truck accompanied by a police escort.
The tree is usually selected months in advance from nurseries or private properties in the Northeastern United States. After being cut, it makes a multi-day journey to Manhattan. The delivery typically occurs on a Saturday or Sunday in early November, allowing crews the following week to erect and secure the massive evergreen in Rockefeller Plaza.
Because the schedule depends on weather, logistics, and the tree's origin, the most reliable source for the current year's delivery date is the official Rockefeller Center website or their verified social media channels. Major news outlets like The New York Times, NBC New York, and ABC7 also provide live updates as the event approaches.
The tradition began in 1931 when construction workers placed a modest 20-foot tree on the site. The first official tree lighting ceremony took place in 1933. Today, the tree—often a Norway spruce standing 75 to 90 feet tall—is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star, drawing millions of visitors each season.