The Rockefeller Center tree lighting 2026 by subway
47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr to the tree
- B
- D
- F
- M
Quick answer: The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on Wednesday, December 2 (the time isn't posted yet). Take the B, D, F or M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, which is step-free and a 3-minute walk from the tree.
Dates
- The 2026 tree arrives on November 7.
- The Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Wednesday, December 2. Rockefeller Center hasn't posted the time yet.
Source: Rockefeller Center: Christmas tree.
Closest subway stations
- 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr (B D F M), about a 3-minute walk. Step-free.
- 5 Av/53 St (E M), about a 3-minute walk. Not step-free.
- 49 St (N R W), a few blocks west. Only the uptown platform is step-free.
On lighting night, the streets around the tree get crowded, so give yourself extra time from the station.
Source: MTA published subway and bus schedules (fall 2026); MTA station accessibility data (data.ny.gov).
Late at night
Going late? Roughly 1 to 5 a.m., the B doesn't run and the M runs a shorter route, so take the D or F from 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr.
Source: MTA published subway and bus schedules (fall 2026).
More holiday sights nearby
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: through January 4, 2027, at Radio City Music Hall, also near 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr.
- Bryant Park tree lighting: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with no ticket needed. Entry starts at 3:30 p.m., first come, first served. Take the B, D, F or M to 42 St-Bryant Pk or the 7 to 5 Av.
- Winter Village at Bryant Park: the rink is open October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027, and the Holiday Shops through January 3, 2027.
Source: Radio City Rockettes: Christmas Spectacular; Bryant Park: tree lighting; Winter Village at Bryant Park.
Rockefeller Center tree 2026: common questions
When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2026?
Wednesday, December 2, 2026. Rockefeller Center hasn't posted the time yet.
What subway stop is closest to the Rockefeller Center tree?
47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr on the B, D, F and M, about a 3-minute walk. It's step-free.
Can I see the tree late at night?
Yes, and the subway runs all night. Late at night take the D or F to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, because the B doesn't run then.
When is the Bryant Park tree lighting?
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with entry from 3:30 p.m., first come, first served.
Official sources
Cobblehop is independent and isn't affiliated with these agencies or operators. Check their pages for the latest schedules and service changes:
- Rockefeller Center: Christmas tree
- Bryant Park: tree lighting
- Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Radio City Rockettes: Christmas Spectacular
- MTA station accessibility data (data.ny.gov)
- MTA: published schedules (GTFS)
Published November 7, 2026. Dates were checked against Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Winter Village and Radio City pages in November 2026, and subway service against the MTA's published schedules. Service changes, so check Cobblehop for live times before you go.
Plan your trip in Cobblehop. Say where you're going and get one clear route, a leave-in countdown and a buzz before your stop.
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