Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025: Date, Time, and How to Watch
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The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will illuminate midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, kicking off the holiday season with a nationally televised spectacle. This year’s tree, a majestic 75-foot Norway Spruce weighing 11 tons, hails from East Greenbush, New York, donated by the Russ family.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dates back to 1931, when construction workers erecting the complex put up a small tree as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. The first formal lighting ceremony took place in 1933, adorned with 700 lights in front of the newly completed RCA Building. Over the decades, the tree has evolved into a global symbol of the holidays, reflecting the spirit of the times. In 1942, for example, three trees were displayed – one red, one white, and one blue – to demonstrate support for troops during World War II.
Illuminating Details: The 2025 Tree
This year’s tree is a breathtaking sight, stretching 45 feet in width and adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung across approximately five miles of wire. The switch to energy-efficient LEDs in 2007 significantly reduced energy consumption, saving as much power as a family would use in a month. Hundreds of solar panels on Rockefeller Center buildings further contribute to powering the dazzling display.
When and Where to Watch the Lighting
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will be broadcast nationally on NBC in primetime, hosted by Reba McEntire. Pre-show coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on the NBC New York streaming channel, accessible via the NBC NY app, Peacock, or other streaming platforms. Full coverage on NBC New York starts at 7 p.m. with “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” featuring Natalie Pasquarella, David Ushery, and Mario Lopez. The national broadcast with McEntire, joined by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin from TODAY, begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
For those wishing to experience the magic in person, the event will take place by the tree, located above the Rink at Rockefeller Center between 49th and 50th Streets, and 5th and 6th Avenues. Tickets are available for purchase to be photographed with the tree as a backdrop, with VIP options offering closer proximity.
Beyond the Lighting: Daily Illumination and Display Duration
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. A special 24-hour illumination is planned for Christmas Eve, while on New Year’s Eve, the tree will shine from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tree will remain on display through mid-January 2025, offering ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy its splendor.
From Holiday Icon to Habitat for Humanity
What happens to the towering spruce after the holidays? The tree doesn’t go to waste. Once taken down, it is carefully milled into two-by-four and two-by-six beams, branded with the Rockefeller Center stamp, and donated to Habitat for Humanity. This remarkable initiative transforms the symbol of Christmas joy into building materials for homes across the country, providing housing for families in need.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is more than just a spectacle; it’s a cherished tradition with a rich history and a heartwarming legacy of giving back to the community.
