How To View The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree This Year

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — City officials on Monday released the eagerly awaited guidelines showing how the public can view this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree once it is lit up in its full glory later this week.

Given the realities of the pandemic, Wednesday's tree lighting ceremony will be closed to the public, but broadcast live on NBC from 8 to 10 p.m.

Starting the following day, members of the public will be able to come see the 75-foot Norway Spruce tree in-person at Rockefeller Plaza. People will need to sign up online for a timed session at the designated viewing entrances on 49th and 50th streets at Fifth and Sixth avenues, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday.

"It’s a timed, socially-distanced approach," de Blasio said. "A different approach, but an approach that will keep people safe."

To manage lines, guests can scan a QR code to see wait times and will get a text message when it is time to get in line, Rockefeller Center said. Viewings will be limited to five minutes, with masks required and social distancing enforced. Groups of more than four people will be separated into two pods.

Vehicular traffic will be closed on 49th and 50th streets between the two avenues. The tree will remain open for viewing through early January.

The 11-ton tree has already endured an unusually fraught time in Midtown since it was brought here from upstate Oneonta, N.Y. earlier this month.

On Nov. 16, while the tree was being installed in Rockefeller Plaza, a worker rescued a tiny saw-whet owl from its branches, to the delight of many. The bird, nicknamed Rockefeller, was released back into the wild last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, some critics took aim at the tree after its installation, suggesting it appeared scrawny, with barren branches. Rockefeller Center responded that the tree needed time to expand back to its full breadth after being wrapped up for its journey into the city.

"Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh?" Rockefeller Center's Twitter account joked, in response to the insults. "Just wait until I get my lights on! See you on December 2!"

Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh? Just wait until I get my lights on! See you on December 2!
— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) November 18, 2020

Related coverage:

• Watch: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Owl Released Into Wild
• Owl Rescued From Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• See It: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives In Midtown
• PHOTOS: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-To-Be Cut Down Upstate