Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting: Time, performances, street closures

NYC Christmas tree lighting

FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas reports live from the lighting of New York City's Christmas tree.

NEW YORK - The annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was Wednesday night, signaling the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City.

Christmas Tree lighting

What we know:

For more than 90 years — since the first tree was raised in 1931 — the star-studded event has drawn top performers and massive crowds to Midtown for one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

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SKIP TO: Location | Performers | Street Closures

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2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from the Russ family in East Greenbush, New York, giving the 2025 tree true hometown roots.

The towering Norway spruce stands 75 feet tall, weighs 11 tons and spans 45 feet in diameter, according to Rockefeller Center.

Tonight's ceremony typically features celebrity performances, a crowd of thousands and a countdown to the moment the 50,000 LED lights and Swarovski star are illuminated.

Where is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?

The tree is located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Who is performing?

This year's show will be hosted by Reba McEntire.

Other performers include:

Brad Paisley
Gwen Stefani
Kristin Chenoweth
Laufey
Marc Anthony
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Once lit, the tree will be illuminated daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.

The tree will remain on display through early January, after which it will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity, continuing its tradition of giving back.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree over the years

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NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2015 -- Photo taken on Dec. 2, 2015, shows the Norway Spruce during the 83rd Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center in New York, the United States. Thousands of people witnessed the lighting of 45,000 multi-colored, energy efficient LED on the 78-foot-tall, 80-year-old Norway Spruce, which is topped with a spectacular Swarovski crystal star in Rockefeller Center on Wednesday. The Rockefeller Center has held the Christmas tree lighting ceremony annually to greet the upcoming Christmas since 1933. (Xinhua/Li Muzi via Getty Images)

When was the first Rockefeller Christmas Tree?

UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 18: Rockefeller Center Inc., 20 Rockefeller Plaza. Christmas tree in Plaza from steps. (Photo by MCNY/Gottscho-Schleisner/Getty Images)

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The very first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was erected in 1931, when construction workers placed a modest, 20-foot balsam fir at the site as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression.

NYC street closures for the tree lighting ceremony

Expect heavy foot traffic, security checkpoints and significant delays around Rockefeller Center today. Closures will begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening.

The following streets will be closed:

46th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
47th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
48th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
49th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
50th Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
51st Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
52nd Street between 5th Ave and 6th Ave
Rockefeller Plaza between 48th Street and 51st Street
6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street
5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street

Officials encourage using public transit, arriving early and preparing for large crowds — Rockefeller Center is one of the city’s busiest holiday destinations.

The Source: This article includes information from Rockefeller Center's website.

Christmas in NYC Holidays