Full Breakdown
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025: A Holiday Tradition
11/27/2025, 9:55:36 PM
Key Details of the Event
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in midtown Manhattan. The event will be broadcast live on NBC at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will also be available for streaming on Peacock. This year, country music star Reba McEntire will host the special, marking her debut in this role, and will also perform alongside a lineup of notable artists including Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Gwen Stefani. The Radio City Rockettes will also perform, celebrating their 100th anniversary.
The centerpiece of the event is a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce, approximately 75 years old, sourced from East Greenbush, New York. The tree, which weighs about 11 tons and spans 45 feet in diameter, is adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung across nearly five miles of wire. Topping the tree is a 900-pound Swarovski star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, featuring 70 spikes and covered in 3 million crystals.
Historical Context
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dates back to 1931 when construction workers pooled their resources to purchase a modest 20-foot balsam fir. The first official lighting ceremony took place in 1933, and since then, the event has grown into a significant holiday celebration, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Tree's Journey and Legacy
This year's tree was cut on November 6 and traveled approximately 130 miles to reach its new home in Manhattan. The Russ family, who owned the tree, donated it in memory of their late husband and father, Dan Russ. Judy Russ expressed that donating the tree was a way to honor her family’s legacy and share joy with the world.
After the holiday season, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be repurposed to build homes for underserved communities, ensuring that its legacy continues beyond the festive season.
Official Statements & Responses
NBC has emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This year’s celebration brings together an incredible roster of talented performers for one unforgettable night of holiday entertainment.” The network anticipates that the diverse lineup will resonate with audiences of all ages, making it one of the most-watched holiday broadcasts.
Criticism & Opposition
While the tree lighting is widely celebrated, some critics argue that the commercialization of holiday traditions detracts from their original meaning. However, the event continues to draw large crowds and significant viewership, indicating its enduring popularity.
What's Next
Following the lighting ceremony, the tree will remain on display until mid-January 2026, allowing locals and tourists to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event is expected to draw significant attention, both in-person and through the live broadcast, reinforcing its status as a hallmark of the holiday season in New York City.
