The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is traditionally lit on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. For 2025, Thanksgiving falls on November 27, and the official lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, with the tree then lit that evening and remaining illuminated daily through the holiday season. How it typically works
- Arrival and setup: The tree arrives in early November and is hoisted into place in mid to late November, with decorating following over several days. The public often gathers for the hoisting ceremony early in the morning on the arrival day.
- Lighting ceremony: The formal lighting occurs on a Wednesday in early December (the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving) and is a televised, high-profile event featuring guests and performances.
- Daily lighting: After the ceremony, the tree is lit daily from early morning until late at night, with extended hours around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In 2025 the tree is expected to be lit from roughly 5:00 AM to midnight during the season.
Tips if you’re planning to visit
- Best viewing: Arrive early in the day to secure a good viewing spot, especially if you want a close-up view of the tree and the lighting ceremony actions.
- Viewing options: You can watch the ceremony live in person or catch televised coverage from NBC; many visitors enjoy skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center before or after the ceremony.
- Access and crowds: Expect large crowds in the area around Rockefeller Center; public transit is usually the easiest way to reach the plaza.
If you’d like, I can confirm the exact 2025 lighting time and any live broadcast details from official sources or recent announcements.
