Story perspectives

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: Star-Studded Event on December 3

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET in New York City.
This year's tree is an 11-ton Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York, standing 75 feet tall and decorated with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a Swarovski star.
Reba McEntire will host the event, featuring performances by Michael Bublé and Gwen Stefani, with the tree lighting occurring just before 10 p.m.
The tree will be on display until mid-January 2026, after which it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

History

Historical Context

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony began in 1933, symbolizing hope during the Great Depression with a modest tree featuring 700 lights. This tradition has evolved, now showcasing an 11-ton Norway Spruce adorned with over 50,000 LED lights. The annual event fosters community spirit and charitable efforts, exemplified by the tree's donation to Habitat for Humanity after the ceremony.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET in New York City.
This year's tree is an 11-ton Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York, standing 75 feet tall and decorated with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a Swarovski star.
Reba McEntire will host the event, featuring performances by Michael Bublé and Gwen Stefani, with the tree lighting occurring just before 10 p.m.
The tree will be on display until mid-January 2026, after which it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

1 / 2