New York Joins Washington DC, and Boston For Showcasing 2025 Christmas Trees That Are More Magical Than Ever – Plan Your Visit and Experience the Joy and Wonder of the Holiday Season in These Cities!

Published on December 1, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As the holiday season takes over the United States, iconic Christmas trees across the country are lighting up the skies with breathtaking displays. From the towering Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center in New York City to the U.S. Capitol and National Christmas Trees in Washington D.C., and the towering spruce in Boston, these trees are more than just decorations—they symbolize the joy, unity, and hope that mark this special time of year.

In 2025, these beloved trees are more magnificent than ever. Whether you’re in New York, D.C., or Boston, each city is hosting a tree that reflects its unique spirit while continuing long-standing holiday traditions. Here’s an inside look at the 2025 holiday trees that are bringing light and joy to millions of visitors.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2025: A 74-Foot Beacon of Hope

New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the crown jewel of holiday traditions in the city and a must-see for visitors during the Christmas season. Standing at a staggering 74 feet tall and weighing in at 11 tons, the 2025 Norway Spruce was sourced from East Greenbush, New York, about 150 miles north of the city. Estimated to be around 75 years old, this magnificent tree was cut down on November 6, 2025, and transported to Rockefeller Plaza on November 8, 2025, marking the beginning of its journey to becoming one of the most iconic holiday landmarks in the world.

The Tree’s Decorations: A Dazzling Display

This year’s tree is decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, stretching over 5 miles of wire, casting a warm and vibrant glow that illuminates the heart of Manhattan. The tree’s beauty is enhanced by a stunning 900-pound Swarovski crystal star placed at its top, which sparkles and glitters against the New York City skyline.

The official lighting ceremony, which took place on December 3, 2025, was broadcast live, marking the official start of the Christmas season in New York. The event was a celebration of holiday cheer, with musical performances, fireworks, and thousands of spectators gathering at Rockefeller Plaza to witness the magic unfold.

The tree will remain lit until mid-January 2026, continuing the tradition that dates back to 1931. It has become more than just a holiday display; it represents hope, unity, and the warmth of the season. Each year, millions of visitors travel to see this iconic tree, making it one of the most photographed attractions in the world.

How the Rockefeller Center Tree Has Evolved Over the Years

Since its first lighting, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has grown into a global symbol of the holiday spirit. Over the decades, the tree has been decorated with everything from traditional ornaments to state-of-the-art lights and stars. The addition of the Swarovski crystal star in 2004 marked a new chapter in the tree’s evolution, making it even more dazzling and memorable.

Today, the Rockefeller Center tree is not just an ornament, but an experience—a destination for families, tourists, and locals alike. It’s a symbol of New York City’s resilience, energy, and festive spirit, drawing people from all corners of the globe to witness the magic of the holiday season.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: A National Treasure with a Nevada Twist

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is another major holiday attraction. This year’s tree, a magnificent 53-foot red fir, hails from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in the Carson Ranger District. Weighing a hefty 4,500 pounds, this stunning tree traveled across the country before arriving at the Capitol’s West Front Lawn on November 24, 2025.

Celebrating Nevada’s Beauty: “Starry Skies to Neon Lights”

The theme for the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, “Starry Skies to Neon Lights,” highlights Nevada’s incredible natural beauty and vibrant urban life. Decorated with thousands of lights and hundreds of handmade ornaments—many created by Native American tribes and schoolchildren from across the country—the tree embodies the spirit of unity and diversity that defines the United States.

The official lighting ceremony, held on December 3, 2025, was attended by thousands of spectators and broadcast live, bringing the nation together to kick off the holiday season. The event was a reminder of the deep ties that bind the American people together and the importance of celebrating both tradition and innovation.

The U.S. Capitol Tree’s Tradition: A Legacy of National Pride

This tradition, which dates back to 1964, rotates annually among national forests, with this year marking Nevada’s first time hosting the tree since 2003. Each year, the tree’s ornaments and decorations reflect the beauty and uniqueness of the state that provides the tree, further enhancing the nation’s sense of connection and pride.

National Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Unity at the White House

Back in Washington D.C., the National Christmas Tree stands as a symbol of national unity. Located on the Ellipse in President’s Park near the White House, the 2025 tree is a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce sourced from Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This living tree, which was planted in 2023, is part of the nation’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and celebrating the beauty of nature during the holiday season.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The National Christmas Tree’s 103rd annual lighting ceremony took place on December 4, 2025, and featured performances by renowned artists such as The Beach Boys, Gabby Barrett, and Jon Pardi. The event, hosted by the National Park Service, is one of the most anticipated holiday gatherings in Washington D.C., drawing thousands of visitors each year.

The tree is adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments representing all 50 states, a powerful symbol of unity and diversity. Free tickets for the lighting ceremony were distributed via lottery, making it accessible to a wide range of people from across the country. The National Christmas Tree will remain lit nightly through January 1, 2026, allowing visitors to continue enjoying its beauty throughout the holiday season.

Boston Common Christmas Tree: A Gift from Nova Scotia

Boston, Massachusetts, has its own beloved tree: a 45-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia, Canada. This tree has been a gift to the city every year since 1971, as a token of gratitude for Boston’s assistance following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The tree arrived in Boston in mid-November 2025 and was officially lit on December 4, 2025, during a festive ceremony filled with fireworks and entertainment.

The Boston Common Tree: A Heartwarming Tradition

Standing as New England’s tallest public Christmas tree, the Boston Common tree draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, many of whom enjoy ice skating and shopping at the nearby holiday markets. The tree is adorned with 10,000 lights, and its lighting ceremony is a highlight of Boston’s holiday celebrations.

This gift from Nova Scotia serves as a reminder of the strong bond between the two regions, symbolizing friendship, generosity, and the spirit of the season. The Boston Common Christmas Tree has become an integral part of the city’s holiday festivities, offering a place for families and friends to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

Other Cities with Iconic Christmas Trees

While New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston are home to some of the most famous holiday trees, many other cities across the U.S. boast their own holiday traditions and tree-lighting ceremonies. Each tree carries its own story, reflecting the values and history of the community it represents. Whether it’s in small towns or bustling cities, Christmas trees continue to bring light, joy, and unity to the nation each year.

Conclusion: The Magic of Christmas Trees Across the U.S.

From the towering Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center to the majestic trees in Washington D.C. and Boston, the 2025 holiday season is marked by stunning Christmas trees that continue to awe and inspire. These trees are more than just decorations—they represent the spirit of togetherness, hope, and the beauty of the holiday season.

Whether you’re visiting New York City, Washington D.C., or Boston, or enjoying the lights of a smaller town’s holiday tree, these displays are a reminder of the joy and unity that Christmas brings to all. As the trees continue to shine brightly throughout the season, they serve as beacons of hope and holiday cheer, creating cherished memories for years to come.

Image: Rockefeller-Tree-Lighting-Courtesy-Diane-Bondareff-and-AP-Images-for-Tishman-Speyer/NYC Tourism + Conventions