Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a big celebration in New York, and there is a real ceremony beforehand. It gets very busy at Rockefeller Center during the ceremony, and everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree. The ceremony is broadcast live on TV and watched by millions of Americans. You can expect to see a famous singer perform.

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Lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Christmas tree is decorated with more than 50,000 LED lights, and the electrical wiring is longer than 8 kilometres! Turning on the lights of the Christmas tree is a real spectacle that is great to experience. In 2025, the tree lighting ceremony will take place December 3rd.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dinner Gala

See the Rockefeller Christmas tree lights being switched on for the first time! To have a good view of the tree and an enjoyable experience, I recommend buying tickets for a Tree Lighting event. A good option is the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dinner Gala. The dinner gala tickets to watch the spectacle sell out every year, so be quick.

With these tickets, you’re assured of having the best seats. From the elegant cafe, you will have a good view of the beautiful Christmas tree. Enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks while watching the tree being lit up.

Sold out - No tickets available at the moment

Viewing the tree lighting without tickets

Keep in mind that without tickets, you’ll have to arrive very early and stand outside for hours to get a spot to watch the show. The blocks surrounding the area are packed with people standing in the cold waiting, which also means getting around in the area is crazy, even on foot. Most New Yorkers who aren’t going to the show avoid it. In fact, the office buildings in Rockefeller Plaza close at lunchtime in order to help the employees get out of there safely.

Visiting the Rockefeller Tree after the Lighting Ceremony

If you’re visiting New York after the Tree Lighting Ceremony and want to get up close to the iconic Christmas tree, book the VIP Rockefeller Center tickets for the Holidays. These tickets grant you exclusive access to the Tree. Additionally, you’ll visit Top of the Rock with a guide, experience the Beam and SKYLIFT, and get a tour of Rockefeller Center.

Book your Holiday VIP Tickets for Rockefeller Center here

How to get to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting?

The famous Christmas Tree is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Streets. You can reach it via subway, by taking BDFM trains to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, or EM to 5 Av/53rd St. Arrive very early for the lighting ceremony, as the crowds are massive and some streets close.

Ice skating under the Christmas Tree

An amazing ice rink will be set up under the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Ice skating there is not cheap, but it is a unique experience. The day before and after the ceremony, the ice rink is closed due to the setup and dismantling of the stage. During the wintertime, you can go ice skating at Rockefeller Center every day.

Dyker Heights

If you can not get enough of the Christmas lights, you shouldn’t miss Dyker Heights. This area in Brooklyn is known for its over-the-top decorated houses. The best way to see all the lights is by taking a bus tour and finding all the exuberantly lit houses.