Christmas is hitting a high note in New York City this year as some of music’s biggest stars get ready to take the stage for the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” 2025 special. With chart-toppers, Broadway favorites, and country music icons all in the mix, the annual tree lighting is shaping up to be one of the season’s most star-studded musical moments, and it will all be hosted by “The Voice” coach Reba McEntire.
Christmas Time Is Here
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is ready to go. It’s decked out with 50,000 LED lights, but before the lights get turned on, there is a celebration to be had.
For the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” 2025 special, there will be plenty of celebrities lighting up Midtown Manhattan.
The two-hour special will air live on Wednesday, December 2, 2025, from New York City. The special starts at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, and it will end with the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2025 Performers Lineup
It’s definitely going to be a night of star power in New York City. The holiday special will be hosted by country music legend and actress Reba McEntire. Not only is she hosting, but she will also be performing at “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”
Kelly Clarkson did serve as the host in 2023 and 2024, but Reba is taking over the reins for 2025.
There will be plenty of other musical guests taking the stage during the night, including Michael Bublé and Gwen Stefani, fellow coaches on “The Voice.” We will also see Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce take the stage.
The Radio City Rockettes happen to be celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, and they will be stopping by for a special performance.
In addition to performers, viewers will also get a chance to see “Today” show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker in attendance.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree History
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree dates back to 1931. However, the first official tree-lighting ceremony took place two years later in 1933 in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
For 2025, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a Norway spruce. It stands 75 feet tall and is 45 feet in diameter. It was actually cut down from a yard in East Greenbush in Rensselaer County, New York.
The tree is approximately 75 years old and weighs about 11 tons. It made its way to Midtown Manhattan on November 8. Besides the 50,000 LED lights, it is also topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star. The star boasts over three million crystals covering 70 spikes.
