So you want to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting. Join the club. Or rather, join the crowds. The annual spectacle clogs the plaza and Fifth Avenue sidewalks starting December 3, 2025, when the official tree lighting ceremony goes down.
If you’re ready to brave the masses for a dose of that Miracle on 34th Street-style holiday magic, here’s everything you need to know about the famed New York City tree.
The Main Event: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Festivities start at 7 p.m., but the tree actually lights up around 9 p.m. Performances wrap up at 10 p.m.
- Pro Tip: Arrive much, much earlier. Plan on getting to Rockefeller Center around 3 p.m. (no later than 4 p.m.) if you want a decent view.
- Who You’ll See: Expect performances from the Radio City Rockettes, skaters on the ice, host Reba McEntire, taking over from Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the past two years, and appearances by Halle Bailey, New Edition, Gwen Stefani, Marc Anthony, Michael Bublé, Laufey, Kristin Chenoweth, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce.
- Cost: It’s all free, and cameras are welcome. Just be prepared for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
How to Watch: In-Person vs. Your Couch
- In Person: The atmosphere is electric, but personal space is a myth. Think Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but with more tinsel.
- On TV: If wrestling with winter crowds isn’t your vibe, watch the magic live from your sofa. Tune into NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast from 7 to 10 p.m. EST. Pajamas are encouraged.
Getting There: Subway Survival Guide
The closest subway stop is 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center (B/D/M/F trains), but it will be a chaotic mess with heavy security.
Pro Tip: Use the 5th Ave/53rd St stop on the E/M or walk south down 5th Avenue from the 5th/59th Street stop on the N/Q/R to avoid the worst of it.
The Star of the Show: This Year’s Tree
This year’s showstopper is a 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York. It weighs a whopping 11 tons and has seen about 75 winters.
The tree is wrapped in over 50,000 LED lights (that’s five miles of wire!) and crowned with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. It’s not just a tree; it’s a spectacle.
Visiting Hours & Pro Tips
The tree will remain lit and on display through Saturday, January 10, 2026.
- Daily Hours: 5 a.m. to midnight.
- Christmas Day: The lights stay on for a full 24 hours.
- New Year’s Eve: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Level Up Your Rockefeller Experience
Simply staring at the tree isn’t enough? Good. Here’s how to make it extra.
- Go for a Spin: Pretend you’re in a holiday movie and take a twirl on the iconic ice rink. Book ahead to snag a prime skate time.
- Snag a Pro Photo: Ditch the awkward selfies. You can book a professional photo session on The Rink steps for a frame-worthy shot.
- Go Full VIP: If you’d rather sip Champagne than fight for a view, spring for a VIP experience. These packages can include private lounges, guided tours to secret rooftop gardens, and skip-the-line passes.
- Warm Up with a Treat: You’ve earned it. Grab legendary hot chocolate from Jacques Torres or a famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery nearby.
A Tradition with Heart
The Rockefeller Tree tradition began humbly in 1931, when construction workers pooled their money to buy a small balsam fir during the Great Depression. What started as a simple gesture has grown into an international symbol of holiday cheer.
And the spirit of giving continues. After the season, the tree is milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for families in need. So, even after the lights go out, the magic lives on.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this event is a cherished tradition that truly embodies the spirit of New York during the holidays. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the spectacle.