In 1933, construction workers building the Rockefeller Center in New York City put up a tree around Christmas to celebrate the season. This simple action unintentionally started a beloved holiday tradition the whole world would come to enjoy.
Fast-forward to tonight, and a much larger tree will be illuminated, signaling that the holiday season has officially begun. The 2025 Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony will be televised tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
Here’s everything you need to know about the jolly event, including how to tune in.
The 411 about this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree
Every year, head gardener Erik Pauze tirelessly searches for the perfect tree. This year’s specimen is a Norway spruce donated by the Russ family of East Greenbush, New York.
The 75-foot wonder traveled 130 miles to spread holiday cheer, and is believed to be 75 years old.
After its illumination duties end in mid-January, the lumber of the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need.
How is the Rockefeller Christmas tree decorated?
A whopping 50,000 LED lights will make the tree shine brightly for all to enjoy.
On top will sit an equally impressive Swarovski star. This dazzling tree-topper weighs in at 900 pounds and is nine feet in diameter. It is made up of 70 spikes and more than three million crystals.
Who’s hosting the 2025 Rockefeller Tree Lighting?
Country music star Reba McEntire is serving as master of ceremonies for the first time ever. She told People this will be the first time she has visited New York City in December.
She even has a plan to keep warm. “I’m going to triple, quadruple layer,” she explained to the magazine. “I’ll probably have my heated vest on, and all the clothes I can, insulated underwear.”
Who’s performing at the 2025 Rockefeller Tree Lighting?
McEntire will also lend her vocal talents to the event, and she’s not the only performer slated. She will be joined by Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Gwen Stefani.
Additionally, the kicks will be high when the Radio City Rockettes take the stage.
Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker will also make an appearance.
How to tune in
The merriment begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. This means those with traditional cable subscriptions and over-the-air antennas with reception are covered. Cord-cutters can turn to Peacock.
If Peacock is not in your streaming arsenal, other live TV streaming services, such as DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, all carry NBC in most regions. They also offer free trials of varying lengths.
Before committing to a new streaming service, be sure to double check that it carries NBC in your region, as availability varies by location.
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