The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is one of New York City’s most cherished holiday traditions. In 2025, the ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, at Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The event marks the official start of the holiday season in New York, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

The tree, usually a towering Norway spruce, will be decorated with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski crystal star. The lighting ceremony will include live performances by well-known artists and appearances by special guests. The event is free and open to the public, though space is limited and crowds begin to gather early in the afternoon.

The tree lighting typically takes place around 9:30 to 10:00 p.m., following several hours of music and entertainment. After the ceremony, the tree remains lit daily from early morning until midnight through early January, creating one of the city’s most iconic backdrops for holiday photos and ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly, and plan for large crowds and street closures in the surrounding area. For those who prefer a calmer experience, visiting the plaza in the days following the ceremony offers the same festive atmosphere without the heavy crowds.

The Rockefeller Center tree lighting continues to represent hope, joy, and community—a New York City tradition that has brightened the holidays for more than eight decades