The holiday season officially arrived in New York City tonight as the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was illuminated during a star-studded ceremony attended by thousands and watched by millions across the country.
✨🎄 It’s time! The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit for the season! pic.twitter.com/jvLd0tQZUa
— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) December 4, 2025
This year’s tree, a 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, dazzled in its full glory, wrapped in 50,000 multicolored LED lights and crowned with a 900-pound Swarovski star crafted from 3 million crystals.
2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. New York City pic.twitter.com/jA9oIKaHwH
— New York City Kopp (@NYCkopp) December 4, 2025
The massive spruce, donated by the Russ family and planted more than 60 years ago, weighs 11 tons and spans 45 feet in diameter.
The event marked the 93rd Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony, hosted by country music legend Reba McEntire, who opened the show with “Run Rudolph Run.”
She was joined throughout the evening by a lineup of celebrated performers including Marc Anthony, Kristin Chenoweth, Brad Paisley, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, Halle Bailey, Laufey, Carly Pearce, New Edition, and the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, who returned with their signature high-kick choreography to mark their 100th anniversary.
New Edition's Performance Criticism
During NBC's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, legendary R&B group New Edition performed their holiday songs.1 Despite their coordinated look and energy, numerous viewers took to social media (X/Twitter) to accuse the band of "lip… pic.twitter.com/ZKcdMJ9PH3
— anreads (@newyorktaxcon) December 4, 2025
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth captivated the audience with “Merry Christmas, Darling,” while Icelandic sensation Laufey brought a jazzy twist to classics like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
At NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, Halle Bailey captivated the audience with her performance of “Last Christmas.” 🤍🎄⭐️ pic.twitter.com/yWKTr7Wbj1
— Halle Sources (@hallesources) December 4, 2025
Marc Anthony energized the crowd with “Feliz Navidad,” and Michael Bublé joined Carly Pearce for a heartfelt duet of “Maybe This Christmas.”
The moment the lights flicked on, a choir performed “Joy to the World,” completing the transformation of Rockefeller Plaza into a beacon of festive cheer.
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Manhattan, New York City, featured spectacular performances from a host of renowned artists.
📷: Reuters#RockefellerCenter #ChristmasTreeLighting #HolidaySeason2025 #NYCEvents #FestiveMusic #GossipHerald pic.twitter.com/xlAfjq08ov
— GossipHerald (@Gossip_Herald) December 4, 2025
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting dates back to 1933, with roots even earlier when construction workers placed a small, decorated tree at the site in 1931. Over the decades, the ceremony has grown into one of the world’s most beloved holiday traditions.
After the holiday season, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, continuing its legacy by helping build homes for families in need.
For viewers who can’t get enough Christmas programming, NBC announced additional festive specials, including “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” airing later this week.
Meanwhile, the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place tomorrow in Washington, D.C., featuring performers such as Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, Gabby Barrett, and the Beach Boys.
The Rockefeller Center tree will remain lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight through mid-January, shining 24 hours straight on Christmas Eve.
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