2026 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting VIP Tickets
Are you crazy for Christmas? Are the holidays your favorite time of the year? If so, you’re not alone. VIP Concierge has just the right gift lined up for you and your crew or special someone–VIP tickets to the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in ritzy, glitzy New York City.
Naturally, we have all-access VIP tickets to the festivities because that’s what we do. We find passes to the most anticipated events across the world, and this iconic, nearly century-old tradition is one of them! As a VIP, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed, up-close view of the tree and the awesome pre-ceremony musical performances that warm up the crowd! Plus, ticket packages include a host of other VIP benefits. We can’t wait to tell you more about it!
When Is the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting?
Nothing marks the beginning of the magical holiday season in New York City like the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s a worldwide symbol of the holidays. Every year, thousands of onlookers gather to watch the tree lighting on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, the tree will be lit on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. Live performances from chart-topping pop stars kick off the event from 7-10 p.m.
This iconic celebration takes place at Rockefeller Plaza between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. With VIP tickets to the tree lighting ceremony, you’ll enjoy private or shared table seating, a full open bar, premium catering, and live entertainment. Tickets to our VIP/Celebrity Experience offer incredible views of the event from an exclusive observation deck reserved for extra-special guests like you. Our premium ticket package also includes a celebrity meet and greet and photo ops. In case you don’t get enough postcard-perfect pictures the night of, the tree will remain lit until early January 2027.
The Search for the Ultimate Christmas Tree
Every year, organizers look high and low (er, maybe just high) for a tree grand enough to stand out from the city skyline. The average Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is over 70 feet tall and weighs some 12 tons. Previous trees have come from Upstate New York, Maryland and locations far and wide. As you can imagine, transporting this type of precious cargo is almost a miracle in itself. Once the tree arrives in the city, it’s decorated with over 50,000 environmentally friendly LED lights. That’s over 5 miles of wire! Finally, the tree is crowned by a Swarovski crystal star that weighs 900 pounds and contains 3 million individual crystals. You’re gonna need more than a Little Giant to put that tree topper on! They use a crane.
Where the Most Recent Trees Were Found
In 2024, tree owner and widower Earl Albert made headlines when he experienced a sudden stoke the very same day the massive tree was felled. The couple first spoke to organizers back in 2020, just days before his long-time wife passed away. In the end, the family was grateful to donate the handsome Norway spruce in their mom’s memory. In 2025, New Yorker Judy Russ donated a 75-foot tall Norway spruce in honor her late husband who passed away in 2020. He always dreamed that the tree planted by his great-grandfather would be chosen for the iconic display. Judy even got to attend the tree-lighting ceremony. Too bad she didn’t have VIP tickets, but you can!
Every year, tens of thousands of onlookers crowd the sidewalks for the event, and millions watch the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony broadcast live across the globe. The best part is that with VIP tickets, you can be there enjoying the goings on from extra-special VIP lounges that offer incredible views of the tree, the presenters and the performers.
Who’s Performing at the 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting in NYC?
It’s too early to say who will be performing at the pre-ceremony concert, but we’ll let you know as soon as we have the details. For 2025, visitors were treated to spectacular performances from pop to Broadway and beyond. Reba McEntire, who joked that she would look like the Michelin woman in her cold-weather gear, hosted. And performers included Marc Anthony, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Gwen Stefani. We’re not done yet. Michael Bublé, Halle Bailey, Laufey, and Kristin Chenoweth were also among the headliners. Keeping with tradition, even the Radio City Rockettes stopped by for an extra dose of holiday cheer. It will be hard to outdo this lineup, but the organizers always do!
What’s Included With VIP Tickets to the Tree-Lighting Ceremony?
We’re pleased to offer several all-inclusive VIP ticket packages to the tree lighting ceremony each year. Prices start around $2,000 per person. Typically, guests can choose between private or shared table seating at Rockefeller Plaza. Tickets include access to an outdoor viewing area and indoor hospitality suite. We also have VIP tickets to swanky parties nearby that offer incredible views of the tree lighting and associated festivities. Please join our email list or give us a call for specifics. Here’s a brief look at some of the amenities that are designed to make your evening extra-special:
- VIP hospitality and refreshments
- Access to premium viewing areas
- Unobstructed views of the tree lighting
- Passes to the preshow concert
- Live DJ-led entertainment
- Private party access
- Celebrity meet and greets
- Professional photo ops
Reserve VIP Tickets to the 2026 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting!
This nostalgic ceremony marks the beginning of the Christmas season in NYC. This is the type of heart-warming, feel-good event that you only see on the Hallmark Channel. Just imagine how awesome it is in person. Tickets make the perfect VIP gift experience for the holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. While you’re visiting the Big Apple, you can check out the fabulous department store displays and pick up a few (dozen) presents that you can’t find anywhere else at Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s or FAO Schwarz, which is conveniently located in Rockefeller Center. Stay for a weekend, stay for a week, or just visit for the tree lighting ceremony. You can’t go wrong either way.
Experience the most magical time of the year with VIP tickets to the 2026 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony and preshow concert. Don’t be a Grinch! Have yourself a merry little Christmas, VIP-style. Contact us for details, and join our VIP email list to receive updates.
