Here's everything to know about the Rockefeller Christmas tree — from this year’s details to its history, location, and a look back at photos from the last decade.
The annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is only days away, signaling the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City.For more than 90 years — since the first tree was raised in 1931 — the star-studded event has drawn top performers and massive crowds to Midtown for one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.
SKIP TO: Time | Location | Performers | Street ClosuresFOX 5 NY will air live coverage of the celebration tonight at 7 p.m. To stream from anywhere, you can watch live in the media player above or download our app, FOX LOCAL, to watch on your smart TV or phone. Click here to download our mobile app now. You can also watch raw, un-anchored coverage of the event on our YouTube page. Check the YouTube event embedded below.This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from the Russ family in East Greenbush, New York, giving the 2025 tree true hometown roots. The towering Norway spruce stands 75 feet tall, weighs 11 tons, and spans 45 feet in diameter, according to Rockefeller Center.The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., during the live NBC broadcast of "Christmas in Rockefeller Center." The ceremony typically features celebrity performances, a crowd of thousands, and a countdown to the moment the 50,000 LED lights and Swarovski star are illuminated.The tree is located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.This year's show will be hosted by Reba McEntire. Other performers include:Once lit, the tree will be illuminated daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.Christmas Eve: Lit for 24 hoursNew Year’s Eve: Lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.The tree will remain on display through early January, after which it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, continuing its tradition of giving back.The very first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was erected in 1931, when construction workers placed a modest, 20-foot balsam fir at the site as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression.Expect heavy foot traffic, security checkpoints and significant delays around Rockefeller Center on lighting day. Closures will begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening.The following streets will be closed:46th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave47th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave48th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave49th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave50th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave51st Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave52nd Street between 5th Ave and 6th AveRockefeller Plaza between 48th St and 51st St6th Avenue between 46th St and 52nd St5th Avenue between 46th St and 52nd StOfficials encourage using public transit, arriving early, and preparing for large crowds — Rockefeller Center is one of the city’s busiest holiday destinations.
News Good Day Things To Do Nyc
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting: Date and time, street closuresThe annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is only days away, marking an unofficial start to the holiday season in the city.
Read more »
Think you can beat 'Whamageddon'? Dodge this one song until Christmas Eve'Whamageddon' is a game played during the Christmas season where the player has to go from midnight on Dec. 1 through 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve without listening to 'Last Christmas' by Wham!.
Read more »
How to Watch the 2025 ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ TV Special OnlineHosted by Reba McEntire, here's what to know about streaming the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and live performances
Read more »
How to watch the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: Timing, TV channel, streamingIf you're looking to watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, NBCUniversal is your exclusive home. Here's how to watch and find it.
Read more »
When is the 2025 lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree? Everything you need to knowThe 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit for the season on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Here's everything you need to know about the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
Read more »
How to watch the ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ tree lighting special tonightFind the latest technology news and expert tech product reviews. Learn about the latest gadgets and consumer tech products for entertainment, gaming, lifestyle and more.
Read more »