New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Shines Bright for 2025 Holiday Season

Published on October 31, 2025

Each winter in New York City, the heart of Manhattan is transformed into a site of jubilation and togetherness with the remarkable addition of a Norway spruce in Rockefeller Plaza. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a custom that has developed in prominence and reverence over the years, initially considered a marker of thanksgiving and appreciation during the Great Depression.

Origins of the Tradition

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition dates back to 1931, when construction workers building Rockefeller Center gathered their wages to erect a modest 20-foot fir. They decorated it with homemade garlands and paper ornaments, marking a moment of shared optimism amid hardship. Two years later, in 1933, the first official tree-lighting ceremony took place an event that has since become a globally recognized holiday celebration.

Over the decades, the Rockefeller Center tree has grown in scale and significance, attracting millions of visitors annually. The lighting ceremony, televised nationwide, now serves as the unofficial start of the holiday season in the United States.

Selecting the Perfect Tree

Finding the right tree is a year-long process. Each season, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener leads the search across the northeastern United States, visiting nurseries and private properties in search of the perfect spruce.

Ideal trees must have a classic conical shape, strong branches capable of supporting thousands of lights, and a height of around 70–100 feet. Once selected, the donor’s property is replanted with a new sapling, maintaining the cycle of renewal.

In 2025, the chosen tree was donated by the Russ family from East Greenbush, New York. Standing 75 feet tall and approximately 75 years old, the tree was carefully cut and transported 130 miles to Manhattan. Upon arrival at Rockefeller Plaza, it was installed, secured, and prepared for decoration.

Lighting the Tree

The Rockefeller Center tree is illuminated on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving. This year’s ceremony takes place on 3 December, marking the 92nd official tree lighting.

The tree is adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights that extend more than five miles in length. Its crowning jewel a dazzling Swarovski star made of 3 million crystals — sits atop the tree, symbolizing brilliance and unity.

The lighting ceremony includes live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and festive entertainment. Broadcast to millions, it is one of the most anticipated holiday events in the United States, attracting visitors from across the world.

A Symbol of Community and Sustainability

Beyond its visual splendor, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree embodies principles of sustainability and community service. After the holiday season, the tree is dismantled, milled, and donated to Habitat for Humanity, where its timber is used to build homes for families in need.

This partnership underscores the tree’s enduring message that even after its lights fade, it continues to contribute to new beginnings.

The Rockefeller Center team also ensures that a new sapling replaces each tree removed, maintaining environmental balance and promoting sustainable forestry practices across the region.

Visiting Rockefeller Center

Located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Rockefeller Center remains a focal point of New York’s winter tourism. Visitors can enjoy the tree, the nearby ice-skating rink, and the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue.

The tree remains on display through early January, offering countless opportunities for photographs and holiday gatherings. The surrounding area also features restaurants, shops, and attractions such as Top of the Rock Observation Deck, providing panoramic views of the illuminated skyline.

For travelers planning a holiday trip, the City of New York advises using public transportation to access the area, as street closures and large crowds are expected during peak times. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) provides subway and bus routes directly connecting to Rockefeller Plaza.

The Tree’s Enduring Legacy

Over nine decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has come to symbolize hope, generosity, and togetherness. It stands not only as a cultural icon but also as a reflection of the spirit of the season — one of joy, renewal, and gratitude.

As millions gather beneath its branches each year, the tree continues to unite visitors from around the world in celebration. From its humble beginnings in 1931 to its role today as a beacon of light in Manhattan, the Rockefeller Tree remains one of the most enduring symbols of New York’s holiday charm.