Rockefeller Christmas Tree NYC 2025: when and how to see the iconic Holiday tradition

Each year as New York City transitions into full holiday mode, the glowing centerpiece at Rockefeller Center becomes one of the most-anticipated seasonal events in the United States.

The 2025 edition of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree promises a dazzling spectacle — here’s everything you need to know: dates, history, practical tips, and how to make the most of this magical moment.

🎄 Key dates & details for the 2025 Christmas Tree

• The tree chosen for 2025 is a magnificent 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York.
• It will be cut down on November 6, 2025, and transported to Manhattan, arriving shortly thereafter.
• The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, beginning around 7:00 p.m. at 45 Rockefeller Plaza.
• Following the lighting, the tree will remain lit on display through mid-January 2026.

🕰 A Brief history of the tradition

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree tradition dates back to the early 1930s:

• In 1931, construction workers at Rockefeller Center decorated a simple tree in the plaza as a gesture of holiday cheer during the Depression.
• By 1933 the formal tree-lighting ceremony was established, and over the decades the towering spruce at Rockefeller Plaza became a symbol of the holiday season in NYC.
• In recent years, the tree is outfitted with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a spectacular crystal star weighing around 900 pounds.
• After the season ends, the tree is repurposed: traditionally, the lumber is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing.

📍 How to visit & what to expect

Location & viewing area

• The tree stands at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, in midtown Manhattan between West 48th and West 51st Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
• After lighting, you can view it from street level around the plaza. For a premium experience, there are VIP tours and vantage points available via Rockefeller Center’s holiday site.

Best time to visit

• On lighting night (Dec 3) arrive early – by mid-afternoon if you want a good photo spot. Expect thousands of people.
• After the ceremony the tree is lit daily. According to local guides, lighting is typically from 5 a.m. to midnight, with extended hours during holiday peak nights.

What to bring & tips

• Dress warmly. Even though Manhattan is urban, it can be chilly and windy near the plaza in early December.
• Use public transportation if possible. Midtown can be congested, especially on ceremony night.
• Photography tip: the view facing the ice-skating rink with the tree behind and the Prometheus statue in foreground is iconic.
• Consider an early morning visit (e.g., right after sunrise) for smaller crowds.
• Check the official Rockefeller Center holiday page for any schedule changes or access restrictions.

🎉 Why it’s worth making the trip

• It marks the start of NYC’s festive season: lights, decorations, and events ripple through the city.
• The scale is grand: the tree, the star, the plaza – everything is bigger and brighter.
• It’s a shared cultural moment: millions tune in live via NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast. In 2025, the special will air during the evening of the lighting ceremony.

📝 Quick Summary

If you’re planning a trip to New York this holiday season or want a standout experience for friends or family, visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in 2025 should top your list.

With the tree lit on December 3, arriving early gives you a front-row view of a true New York tradition.

Afterward, walking through the lit-up streets of Midtown, stopping by ice-skating, enjoying warm drinks, and soaking in the holiday glow—you’re living a festive moment you’ll remember long after the lights come down.

Whether you’re watching live or traveling there in person, this year’s tree event promises to deliver the sparkle, warmth, and magic that only Manhattan can offer. ✨