Rockefeller Center typically lights the Christmas tree on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving, with the ceremony running in the evening and the tree remaining lit daily through the holiday season. For 2025, the lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, and the tree is illuminated during the event and then lit nightly thereafter. Key details for 2025
- Lighting ceremony date: December 3, 2025 (Wednesday) [official announcements noted for 2025 schedule].
- Ceremony time and visibility: The live ceremony usually runs in the early evening (the official window often stated as 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM) with the tree lighting at a specific moment during the event; afterward, the tree remains lit and visible throughout the season.
- Daily lighting: After the ceremony, the tree is typically lit daily from early morning through late night, with special considerations around Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in some years.
Additional context
- The tree is installed in mid-November and becomes a central holiday symbol at Rockefeller Center, attracting large crowds for the lighting and surrounding festivities.
- If you’re planning to visit, arrive early for the best views, as crowds can be heavy on lighting night and during the holiday stretch; nearby attractions like The Rink at Rockefeller Center are often part of the experience.
Notes on sources
- The official Rockefeller Center site confirms the annual Lighting Ceremony details for 2025, including date and general timing windows for the event.
- Coverage from NBC-related outlets and NYC guides provide additional context on the lighting night and post-ceremony illumination schedule.
