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- The tree chosen for 2025 is a magnificent 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It will be cut down on November 6, 2025<\/strong>, and transported to Manhattan, arriving shortly thereafter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025<\/strong>, beginning around 7:00 p.m. at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Following the lighting, the tree will remain lit on display through mid-January 2026<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/04\/fun-for-all-6.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udd70 A Brief history of the tradition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/10\/rockfeller-center-tree-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Rockefeller Christmas Tree tradition dates back to the early 1930s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- In 1931, construction workers at Rockefeller Center decorated a simple tree in the plaza as a gesture of holiday cheer during the Depression. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In recent years, the tree is outfitted with over 50,000 LED lights<\/strong> and topped with a spectacular crystal star weighing around 900 pounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After the season ends, the tree is repurposed: traditionally, the lumber is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/04\/getaway-in-new-york-6.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udccd How to visit & what to expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Location & viewing area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- The tree stands at 30 Rockefeller Plaza<\/strong>, in midtown Manhattan between West 48th and West 51st Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After lighting, you can view it from street level around the plaza. For a premium experience, there are VIP tours<\/strong> and vantage points available via Rockefeller Center\u2019s holiday site. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- On lighting night (Dec 3) arrive early \u2013 by mid-afternoon if you want a good photo spot. Expect thousands of people. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After the ceremony the tree is lit daily. According to local guides, lighting is typically from 5 a.m. to midnight<\/strong>, with extended hours during holiday peak nights. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What to bring & tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Dress warmly. Even though Manhattan is urban, it can be chilly and windy near the plaza in early December.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use public transportation if possible. Midtown can be congested, especially on ceremony night.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Photography tip: the view facing the ice-skating rink with the tree behind and the Prometheus statue in foreground is iconic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider an early morning visit (e.g., right after sunrise) for smaller crowds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the official Rockefeller Center holiday page for any schedule changes or access restrictions. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/04\/top-of-the-rock-6.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf89 Why it\u2019s worth making the trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"rockfeller-center-fountain\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/10\/rockfeller-center-fountain-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- It marks the start of NYC\u2019s festive season: lights, decorations, and events ripple through the city.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The scale is grand: the tree, the star, the plaza \u2013 everything is bigger and brighter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It’s a shared cultural moment: millions tune in live via NBC\u2019s \u201cChristmas in Rockefeller Center\u201d broadcast. In 2025, the special will air during the evening of the lighting ceremony. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcdd Quick Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Events<\/th> Detail<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Tree selected from<\/td> East Greenbush, NY \u2013 Norway spruce (~75 ft) <\/td><\/tr> Official lighting date<\/td> Wednesday, December 3, 2025, ~7 p.m. .<\/a><\/td><\/tr> Post-lighting display until<\/td> Mid-January 2026 <\/td><\/tr> Location<\/td> 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan<\/td><\/tr> Best arrival time<\/td> Afternoon of Dec 3 (for ceremony) or early morning later in December<\/td><\/tr> Cost<\/td> Free to view; special pre-tickets\/VIP available<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n- \n\n
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- After lighting, you can view it from street level around the plaza. For a premium experience, there are VIP tours<\/strong> and vantage points available via Rockefeller Center\u2019s holiday site. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The tree stands at 30 Rockefeller Plaza<\/strong>, in midtown Manhattan between West 48th and West 51st Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After the season ends, the tree is repurposed: traditionally, the lumber is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025<\/strong>, beginning around 7:00 p.m. at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wonderbox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/04\/merry-christmas-exceptional-6.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n