On October 29, 2025, in New York City, the annual winter festival at Rockefeller Center, the lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree, will take place on December 3. This year’s Christmas tree comes from East Greenbush, the capital district of New York State, it is a majestic Norwegian spruce tree that will soon stand in midtown Manhattan, bringing holiday joy to visitors from around the world and city residents.
This Christmas tree will be officially cut down on November 6 and transported to Rockefeller Center two days later, where it will be placed in the center of the plaza using a large crane and professional installation. Subsequently, more than fifty thousand colorful lights will be carefully wrapped around the branches, and a star-shaped decoration symbolizing hope will be placed at the top of the tree.
The Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been held since 1933, with a history of over 90 years, making it one of the most prominent festival traditions in New York City. Every year, tens of thousands of people crowd the venue, and the moment the Christmas tree is lit is broadcast live on national television, marking the official start of the winter holiday season in New York.
The lighting ceremony is usually accompanied by grand musical performances on the same night, inviting famous singers and dance troupes to perform on stage, making the festive atmosphere even more lively. This event is not only a symbol of New York City but has also become an important symbol of “Christmas is coming” in the hearts of Americans.
After being lit on December 3, the Christmas tree will continue to be on display until mid-January 2026. At the end of the exhibition period, in line with recent practice, the Christmas tree will not be discarded but instead made into lumber and donated to the charity organization “Habitat for Humanity” for building homes. This arrangement allows this tree, symbolizing peace and unity, to continue its charitable value after the festivities.
The history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree dates back to 1931 when construction workers first erected a 20-foot small tree on the construction site and adorned it with handmade decorations. Two years later, the lighting ceremony officially became an annual tradition. Since then, the size of the Christmas tree has gradually grown, reaching heights of over 100 feet, attracting visitors from around the world.
The tree, along with the Rockefeller ice skating rink, forms a classic winter landscape in Manhattan and becomes the star of millions of photos and postcards worldwide every year.