The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Everything You Need To Know—From The Tree's Origin To The Dazzling 900-Pound Star
As of today, December 19, 2025, the world is buzzing with anticipation for the most iconic holiday spectacle on the planet: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. This annual event, a beacon of hope and holiday cheer since the Great Depression, is a cornerstone of New York City’s festive season, drawing millions of visitors and viewers globally. The 2025 ceremony promises to be a dazzling affair, officially kicking off the holiday season with a massive Norway Spruce, a star-studded lineup of performers, and a breathtaking display of light.
The tradition, which began informally in 1931, has evolved into a meticulously planned television special, but its core spirit remains unchanged: a symbol of unity and renewal. This year’s tree, already a stunning presence in Midtown Manhattan, carries a unique story of its own, from its humble origins in Upstate New York to its current place as the center of the world's holiday stage. We dive into all the essential details, including the official lighting date, the tree's impressive specifications, and what happens to the monumental evergreen once the season ends.
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A Biography in Lights
The selection of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a year-round process, meticulously overseen by the Center’s head gardener, who scouts potential candidates across several states. The 2025 tree, a magnificent specimen, has its own remarkable profile before its moment of glory on Rockefeller Plaza.
- Species: Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
- Origin: East Greenbush, New York
- Donor: A generous family from the Albany area.
- Height: Approximately 75 feet tall.
- Weight: Estimated to be around 12 tons.
- Arrival Date: The tree arrived and was hoisted into place on Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
- Age: Norway Spruces of this size are typically between 75 and 90 years old.
The tree’s journey from East Greenbush to Manhattan is a logistical feat, requiring a massive crane and a custom-built flatbed trailer to navigate the narrow city streets. The selection criteria are strict, requiring a dense, full, and perfectly shaped tree that can withstand the harsh winter elements and support the enormous weight of the decorations.
The Dazzling Specifications of the Decorations
While the tree itself is a natural wonder, the decorations are what transform it into a global icon. The sheer volume of lights and the complexity of the star are staggering details that highlight the scale of the operation.
The tree is wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights. These lights are strung across approximately five miles (eight kilometers) of wiring, creating a vibrant, luminous cascade that can be seen for blocks around Midtown.
Crowning the entire spectacle is the breathtaking Swarovski Star. This three-dimensional marvel is not the original star, but a modern masterpiece introduced in 2018:
- Designer: Renowned architect Daniel Libeskind.
- Weight: A monumental 900 pounds.
- Crystals: Adorned with approximately three million Swarovski crystals.
- Dimensions: It measures 9 feet, 4 inches in diameter.
The star’s design, a series of geometric spikes, reflects light in a way that makes the entire tree appear to sparkle, cementing its status as one of the most valuable and intricate Christmas decorations in the world.
The 2025 Lighting Ceremony: Date, Time, and How to Watch
The official lighting ceremony is a must-see event, whether you brave the crowds in person or watch the nationally televised broadcast. Security is extremely tight, and viewing spots are limited, making early arrival essential for those hoping to see the tree lit live.
The 2025 ceremony will take place on a Wednesday evening, following a long-standing tradition of lighting the tree the week after Thanksgiving.
- Official Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
- Ceremony Time: The live broadcast and performances begin at 7:00 PM EST.
- Tree Lighting Time: The actual moment the tree is illuminated typically occurs closer to 10:00 PM EST.
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan.
- Television Special: The event is broadcast as the "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" special on NBC and Peacock.
While the official lineup of hosts and musical guests for 2025 is still being finalized, the ceremony consistently features A-list talent. Past performers have included global superstars like Marc Anthony, Michael Bublé, Halle Bailey, and Kristin Chenoweth, ensuring a spectacular two-hour show leading up to the grand finale.
Beyond the Lighting: Viewing Hours and the Tree’s Second Life
The Christmas Tree Lighting is just the beginning. The tree remains lit for the entire holiday season, offering a magnificent centerpiece for New York City’s winter festivities and a popular backdrop for ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center.
Daily Viewing Schedule
Once lit, the tree operates on a generous schedule, ensuring everyone has a chance to witness its splendor.
- Standard Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
- Christmas Day: Lit for a full 24 hours.
- New Year’s Eve: Lit from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The tree remains lit until the first or second week of January 2026, marking the official end of the holiday season in Rockefeller Center. The exact date for the tree’s removal varies each year.
The Tree’s Enduring Legacy: From Plaza to Plywood
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the modern Rockefeller Center tradition is the tree’s post-holiday fate. Unlike many large-scale displays that end up in a landfill, the Norway Spruce is given a meaningful second life, contributing to a greater good.
Since 2007, the tree has been milled into lumber after the holiday season. This lumber is then donated to Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to building affordable housing. The wood from the iconic tree is used in the construction of homes across the United States, meaning a piece of the Rockefeller Center Christmas spirit literally lives on in the walls and floors of a family’s new residence. This sustainable practice adds a layer of profound meaning to the annual spectacle, transforming a temporary symbol of celebration into a lasting contribution to community and shelter. This ultimate form of recycling ensures the tree's legacy extends far beyond the bright lights of Manhattan.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, therefore, is more than just a holiday decoration; it is a powerful symbol of New York’s enduring spirit, blending historical tradition with modern sustainability and a commitment to community service.
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