Full Breakdown
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025: A Holiday Tradition
12/4/2025, 4:26:46 AM
Overview of the Event
The annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. This year’s tree, a 75-foot tall Norway Spruce weighing 11 tons, was donated by the Russ family from East Greenbush, New York. The tree is adorned with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star featuring more than three million crystals.
Timeline of the Event
- November 6, 2025: The tree was cut down in East Greenbush, New York.
- November 8, 2025: The tree arrived at Rockefeller Center.
- December 3, 2025: The lighting ceremony begins at 8 p.m. ET, with the tree expected to be illuminated shortly before 10 p.m. ET.
Key Performers and Hosts
This year, country music star Reba McEntire will host the "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" special for the first time. The event will feature performances from 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, celebrating their 100th anniversary, will also perform.
Official Statements & Responses
Reba McEntire expressed her excitement about hosting, stating, “To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony... it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and I’m honored that they asked me to do it.” NBC's Executive Vice President, Jen Neal, highlighted the event's significance, saying, “The lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center is one of the great traditions that New York has to offer.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the event is widely celebrated, some critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale holiday displays, including energy consumption and waste. However, the use of energy-efficient LED lights has been a step towards addressing these concerns.
Impact and Legacy
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a holiday tradition since 1931, with the first official lighting ceremony occurring in 1933. After the holiday season, the tree will be taken down in mid-January 2026 and repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, continuing a legacy of giving that has been in place since 2007.
What's Next
Following the tree lighting, the tree will remain on display daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until mid-January 2026. On Christmas Eve, it will be illuminated for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, allowing millions to partake in this cherished holiday celebration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Donating the tree is a way to honor my late husband Dan and all our family members who have passed.” — Judy Russ, Tree Donor
- “I’m excited to make more cherished memories with my family and childhood friends as it becomes the world’s Christmas tree.” — Judy Russ, Tree Donor
This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting promises to be a festive celebration, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City.
