New York Unveils Majestic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center for 2025, Promising Magical Experiences and Unforgettable Travel for Everyone

Posted on November 5, 2025

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York will return in 2025, captivating visitors from around the world with its dazzling display of holiday magic. This year’s tree, a towering 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, brings a sense of homecoming to the city’s most popular holiday tradition. Decorated with more than 50,000 LED lights and crowned with a stunning Swarovski star, it promises to illuminate Rockefeller Plaza with a dazzling glow that will entice travelers and locals alike to experience the festive magic of one of the world’s most iconic Christmas landmarks.

A beloved New York holiday tradition returns home with the 2025 Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

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New York City is once again embracing its most cherished holiday traditions, as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree returns to its roots in the Empire State. This year’s magnificent Norway spruce, sourced from East Greenbush near Albany, stands as a symbol of joy, hope and unity – reconnecting New Yorkers with the legacy that has brightened winters for generations.

A legacy rooted in New York

For more than three decades, the Rockefeller Center’s Official Tree Explorer has scoured the East Coast in search of the perfect holiday symbol. While older trees arrived from neighboring states like Connecticut and Massachusetts, the 2025 selection marks a proud homecoming. Seven of the final 10 trees came from New York, continuing a tradition that honors the state’s natural beauty and enduring spirit. The chosen tree was unexpectedly discovered through a photo shared by a Rockefeller Center security supervisor, catching the attention of organizers and earning its spot as this year’s centerpiece.

Tree Trip to Rockefeller Plaza

The towering 75-foot Norway spruce, which has grown for decades on the Ross family property, holds a lifetime of memories. Once harvested, the tree set off on a 130-mile journey to Manhattan, a symbolic journey of its transition from a family backyard treasure to a national emblem of celebration. Upon its arrival at Rockefeller Plaza, the Spruce Tree undergoes a delicate transformation – decorated with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights that will twinkle across the city skyline. At its summit lies a dazzling Swarovski star, studded with more than three million crystals and seventy glass nails, radiating with a power of 106,000 lumens.

Grand lighting ceremony

The much-anticipated lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the nationally televised event. Christmas at Rockefeller Center. The live broadcast on NBC and Peacock at 8 PM ET will unite millions of viewers across the country. For the first time, the event will feature country music icon Reba McEntire as host and performer, bringing her warmth and festive cheer to one of New York’s most prized annual moments.

New celebrations and attractions

This year, Rockefeller Center is offering new experiences to immerse visitors in the holiday spirit. From December 4 to January 10, guests who visit the Top of the Rock observation deck can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand directly under the sparkling Christmas tree for a unique photography experience.

Additionally, on November 8, a Meet The Tree event – ​​hosted by FAO Schwarz and Peanuts – will celebrate the tree’s arrival with a nostalgic nod to the 60th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Families can enjoy live entertainment, festive facilities and an adorable “Build-A-Bear Heart Party” featuring Snoopy-themed bears. Although reservations are full for this free event, visitors can still join the waiting list for this joyful gathering.

Celebratory cheers across Rockefeller Center

Behind the tree, the entire Rockefeller Center will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Visitors can slide under the twinkling lights in rinkOr you can relax in the comfortable Après Skate chalets overlooking the square, or meet Santa Claus at the top of the rock. The beam Photo Experience – where visitors can capture the magic of Christmas high above the city. Each attraction is designed to amplify the holiday spirit while providing unforgettable moments for families and tourists alike.

Sustainability and legacy beyond the holidays

When the festivities end in mid-January, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will begin a new life. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity. This act of giving ensures that the spirit of the season lives on, transforming a symbol of festive joy into a source of warmth and shelter for families in need. It’s a poignant reminder that the tree’s light continues to shine long after the decorations have come down.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York will return in 2025, dazzling travelers around the world with its dazzling lights and festive magic. This year’s 75-foot-tall Norway spruce, hailing from East Greenbush, brings the holiday spirit to life, making it a must-see destination for everyone.

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is more than just a seasonal attraction; It is a reflection of the unity, generosity and enduring magic of New York during the holidays. From its humble beginnings near Albany to its grand illumination in Manhattan, the Spruce Journey captures the essence of the season – a time of giving, reflection and shared joy that will once again light the hearts of millions around the world.