There’s a running joke among New Yorkers that winter doesn’t officially begin when the temperature drops or when Mariah Carey thaws. The real signal is the moment the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lights up. It’s the annual spark that flips the city into full holiday mode, and honestly, everything feels a little more magical after that switch is thrown.
This year’s towering celeb is a 75-foot Norway Spruce, glamorized with more than 50,000 multicolored lights and topped with a 9-foot-diameter Swarovski star introduced in 2018. It might weigh as much as a small car, but it twinkles like it's floating. The big moment happens Wednesday, Dec. 3, when the NYC skyline gets an extra dose of glitter courtesy of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
A Tradition With Star Power Since 1933
New Yorkers have been gathering under the spruce since 1933, long before influencers and Times Square billboards fought for attention. The ceremony went national in 1951 when NBC aired the lighting on The Kate Smith Show, officially transforming the event into a household tradition across the country.
Since then, families everywhere have been tuning in, cozying up, and discussing whether the year’s tree is tall enough.
When and Where the Magic Happens
Rockefeller Center will host the ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 3, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Even after the crowd disperses and the hot cocoa carts pack up, the tree stays lit for everyone to enjoy until January 2026. After its final bow, it gets a second life: the spruce is donated to Habitat for Humanity and turns into lumber for homes.
If you’re going in person, the ceremony itself begins at 7 p.m. ET. If you’re watching from your couch, NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET and runs for two hours, ending with that iconic moment when the lights blaze on.
Reba McEntire Takes the Hosting Reins
In an unexpected twist, the 2025 ceremony will be hosted for the first time by country music legend and actress Reba McEntire. She told PEOPLE she’s never even been to New York in December.
"To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony, Rockefeller Center, it's something that I've always wanted to do, and I'm honored that they asked me to do it," she said. "I'm going to triple, quadruple layer." Adding: "I'll probably have my heated vest on, and all the clothes I can, insulated underwear."
Along with hosting, McEntire will perform during the event, and she’ll be joined by familiar faces from Today: Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker.
Performance Lineup
The lighting ceremony always draws major talent, and this year is basically a holiday playlist come to life. Expect performances from Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Gwen Stefani.
And yes, the Radio City Rockettes — celebrating their 100th year of high-kicking perfection — will take the stage for a special performance.
How to Watch From Anywhere
If you’re not braving the December chill in person, NBC has you covered. The live special airs at 8 p.m. ET, and for the cord-cutters among us, Peacock is simulcasting the entire event. Hot chocolate and fuzzy socks are optional but strongly encouraged.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a mood reset. A giant, glowing reminder that even in the busiest city in the world, we collectively pause to marvel at the same beautiful thing.
Happy Holidays!