The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an annual tradition that takes place in New York City. The ceremony typically takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, which is the day after the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. The exact date of the ceremony can vary slightly each year, but it's always a highly anticipated event that marks the beginning of the holiday season in the city. The lighting of the tree is a magnificent spectacle, drawing huge crowds and bringing a sense of joy and celebration to the city.