Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025

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Andrew Dallos

Be a part of this national holiday tradition loved by millions!

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 2025 event promises the same magic and wonder that has attracted millions of visitors worldwide for nearly a century.

Plus: Enjoy a horse and carriage ride around Central Park, the 5th Avenue Holiday Light Show, Rockefeller Center, Radio City, and more! Check out our Park & City Ride for details.

About the 2025 Tree

The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a majestic 75-foot Norway spruce, 75 years old, donated by the Russ family from East Greenbush, New York.

Weighing 11 tons, this magnificent tree will be adorned with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights spread across approximately 5 miles of string lights. Atop the tree sits the spectacular Swarovski crystal star, measuring 9 feet 4 inches, weighing around 900 pounds, and featuring 3 million crystals designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

Dates & Details

• Tree Cutting: November 6, 2025 (East Greenbush, NY)
• Arrival and Hoisting: November 8, 2025, at Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
• Scaffolding Removal: By November 27, 2025 (in time for Thanksgiving weekend)
• Lighting Ceremony: December 3, 2025, at 10 PM (First Wednesday after Thanksgiving)
• Display Duration: From December 3, 2025, through mid-January 2026
• Lighting Schedule: Daily from 5 AM to midnight, with 24-hour illumination on Christmas Eve and lights off at 9 PM on New Year’s Eve
• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between West 49th and 50th Streets, Midtown Manhattan

Lighting Ceremony Highlights

The lighting ceremony features live performances by famous entertainers and NYC figures. The Mayor of New York City, alongside special guests, traditionally signals the start by illuminating the tree. The event is broadcast nationally and internationally.

The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will feature:

• Reba McEntire (host and performer)
• Marc Anthony
• Halle Bailey
• Michael Bublé
• Kristin Chenoweth
• Laufey
• New Edition
• Brad Paisley
• Carly Pearce
• Gwen Stefani
• The Radio City Rockettes (celebrating their 100th anniversary with a special performance)

The event will air live from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, with an initial hour-long special starting at 7 PM followed by the prime-time broadcast culminating in the tree lighting around 10 PM. Additionally, NBC TODAY anchors will appear, and there will be simulcast appearances on Telemundo.

Book the ultimate holiday tour featuring the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the 5th Avenue Holiday Light Show, Central Park, and more.