The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in 2025 will bring New York City and viewers around the world a signature winter celebration. This seasonal event highlights a towering illuminated tree, live performances, and celebrity guests, setting a festive tone for the holiday season.
As the city prepares for the return of this iconic tradition, organizers finalize the stage design, broadcast plans, and safety protocols to ensure a memorable experience for attendees and online audiences.
| Event Element | Details | 2024 Reference | 2025 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Species | Norway Spruce | Norway Spruce, 75 feet | Norway Spruce, expected height 75 feet |
| Lighting Date | Wednesday after Thanksgiving | November 27, 2024 | November 26, 2025 |
| Lighting Time (ET) | 8:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Location | Rockefeller Plaza, NYC | Rockefeller Center | Rockefeller Center |
| Broadcast Platform | NBC Live and Peacock Stream | NBC and streaming | NBC and Peacock |
Tree Selection and Arrival
Each year, a team travels to upstate New York to find the signature Norway Spruce that will become the Rockefeller Center tree. The selection focuses on a straight trunk, full branches, and healthy foliage. Once chosen, the tree travels to Manhattan under a special permit and is delivered to Rockefeller Plaza well before the lighting date.
Decor and Illumination Setup
After placement in the plaza, workers install thousands of energy-efficient LED lights that wrap the tree from top to bottom. Designers plan the color scheme and lighting patterns to highlight the tree’s natural shape. The finished display reflects a blend of classic red and white tones with modern programmable effects that can shift through holiday hues.
Live Event and Broadcast Details
On the lighting day, a stage is erected around the tree with seating for guests, performers, and media crews. The televised ceremony includes musical acts, celebrity appearances, and a countdown to the moment the switch is flipped. For viewers at home, the broadcast on NBC and Peacock begins in the early evening and captures both the ceremony and the first illumination.
Community and Visitor Experience
Thousands gather at Rockefeller Plaza in person, while millions watch online. Local organizations coordinate security, crowd flow, and accessibility measures to keep the event smooth and safe. Surrounding stores and restaurants benefit from seasonal foot traffic, adding an economic boost to the neighborhood during the holiday period.
Environmental and Sustainability Efforts
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting has incorporated eco-friendly practices, such as using LED technology and sourcing the tree from certified growers. After the holiday season, the tree is typically mulched and used in community projects, turning a symbol of celebration into a resource for local parks and gardens.
Plan Your Holiday Around the Lighting
Marking the tree lighting as a centerpiece of your holiday schedule helps align travel, gatherings, and festive events with this iconic New York tradition.
- Note the lighting date, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and arrive early if attending in person.
- Set reminders to watch the live broadcast on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 PM ET.
- Check official channels closer to the date for any changes in ticket policies or security procedures.
- Explore nearby holiday markets and displays in Rockefeller Plaza after the lighting ceremony.
- Support sustainability by looking for official updates on tree recycling and community mulch programs.
FAQ
Reader questions
When will the Rockefeller tree be lit in 2025?
The tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at approximately 8:30 PM ET, shortly after Thanksgiving.
Where will the lighting ceremony take place in 2025?
The ceremony will occur at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, with the tree standing near 48th and 51st Streets on Fifth Avenue.
Will the 2025 lighting be broadcast online and on TV?
Yes, the event will be televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, with pre-show coverage starting several hours before the lighting.
Can the public attend the tree lighting in person in 2025?
Attendance at the plaza is often managed with tickets and crowd limits; details on public access and any lottery system will be announced closer to the date by organizers.