Full Breakdown
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025: A Festive Tradition
12/6/2025, 10:44:13 AM
Star-Studded Celebration Kicks Off the Holiday Season
The 93rd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on December 3, 2025, in New York City, marking the official start of the holiday season. Hosted by country music star Reba McEntire, the event featured performances from a variety of artists, including Gwen Stefani, Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Bublé, Brad Paisley, New Edition, and Halle Bailey. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, with attendees arriving hours in advance to secure their spots.
Gwen Stefani opened the festivities with her new song “Shake the Snow Globe,” followed by holiday classics like “Hot Cocoa” and “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” Reba McEntire performed “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “Run Rudolph Run,” while Kristin Chenoweth delivered a duet of “Silver Bells” with McEntire. Michael Bublé captivated the audience with “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” New Edition added a soulful touch with their renditions of holiday favorites.
The Tree: A Symbol of Remembrance and Community
This year’s Christmas tree, a 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, was donated by Judy Russ in memory of her late husband, Dan. The tree, which is 75 years old and weighs approximately 11 tons, is adorned with 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star. Judy Russ expressed her joy in sharing the tree with the world, stating, “It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.”
The tree lighting ceremony concluded with Reba McEntire and NBC news anchors illuminating the tree, creating a spectacular visual display that symbolizes the holiday spirit in New York City.
Post-Holiday Plans for the Tree
After the holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International, where it will be transformed into lumber for building homes for families in need. This tradition has been in place since 2007, with past trees contributing to various housing projects across the United States. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, emphasized the tree's lasting impact, stating, “That symbol will live on as part of Habitat homeowners’ lives in their new houses.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the event is widely celebrated, some critics argue that the commercialization of Christmas has overshadowed its original meaning. Concerns have also been raised about the environmental impact of cutting down large trees for holiday displays.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We always talked about it being the (Rockefeller Center) tree. It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.” — Judy Russ, Tree Donor
- “The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a reminder to reflect, be thankful and to remember to give back to others among the hustle and bustle of the holidays.” — Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony continues to be a cherished tradition, drawing visitors from around the globe and serving as a beacon of holiday cheer in the heart of Manhattan.
