The 5 Must-See New York Christmas Tree Lightings For 2025: Official Dates And Schedule
The magic of the New York City holiday season is officially locked in for 2025, and the dates for the most spectacular Christmas Tree Lightings are now confirmed. As of today, December 22, 2025, the highly anticipated schedule reveals a week of back-to-back festive events, culminating in the world-famous illumination at Rockefeller Center. This guide provides the definitive, up-to-date schedule, details on the iconic Rockefeller tree, and essential tips for navigating the crowds at these historic Manhattan landmarks.
The annual tradition of lighting the monumental Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Plaza remains the centerpiece of the city’s holiday calendar, but the celebration extends far beyond Midtown. From the historic financial district to the artistic heart of Greenwich Village, New York City transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, with each tree lighting ceremony offering a unique, star-studded spectacle for visitors and locals alike.
The 2025 New York City Christmas Tree Lighting Full Schedule
The 2025 holiday season officially kicks off the week after Thanksgiving, following the city's long-standing traditions. Here is the confirmed list of the most significant Christmas tree and holiday light events across Manhattan, serving as your essential guide for planning your trip to the city's most festive attractions.
- Tree Type: The majority of NYC's major Christmas trees are large, majestic Norway Spruces, known for their dense, dark-green foliage, which holds up well to the cold New York winter.
- Decorations: Trees are typically adorned with tens of thousands of energy-efficient LED lights. The Rockefeller Center tree alone boasts over 50,000 multi-colored lights and a 900-pound Swarovski star.
- Topical Authority Entities: Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, New York Stock Exchange, Washington Square Park, Norway Spruce, Swarovski Star, Greenwich Village, Midtown Manhattan, Financial District, Radio City Music Hall, The Rink, Winter Village, Wall Street.
1. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Tree Lighting
Kicking off the week of major illuminations, the Bryant Park Tree Lighting is a free, popular event often featuring a live ice-skating performance on The Rink. This event signals the official start of the holiday shopping season at the Bank of America Winter Village.
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Time: Approximately 5:30 PM ET
- Location: The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park (42nd Street and 6th Avenue)
- Pro Tip: Arrive early to browse the European-inspired holiday shops and grab a spot near the ice-skating rink for the best view of the lighting ceremony.
2. The Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The world's most famous Christmas tree lighting remains the pinnacle of the holiday season. The 2025 ceremony will follow the long-held tradition of lighting the tree on the first Wednesday after the Thanksgiving holiday, making it a mid-week spectacular.
- Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
- Time: The live broadcast and ceremony typically run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET, with the official lighting around 9:00 PM
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza (between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
- The 2025 Tree: The monumental 2025 tree is a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce, generously donated by the Russ family and sourced from East Greenbush, New York. It was announced in late October and arrived in Midtown Manhattan on November 8, 2025.
The selection of the Norway Spruce from East Greenbush continues the tradition of sourcing a massive, perfectly shaped tree from the tri-state area. The tree is adorned with over five miles of wire and 50,000 LED lights, all topped by the dazzling, three-dimensional Swarovski Star, a masterpiece of crystal design. The ceremony is a major television event, featuring performances by A-list musical artists and celebrities, making it a global spectacle.
3. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Tree Lighting on Wall Street
A tradition stretching back over a century, the NYSE Tree Lighting brings holiday cheer to the Financial District. This event is a historic celebration that contrasts the hustle of Wall Street with the timeless joy of the season, marking its 102nd annual occurrence in 2025.
- Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM ET
- Location: Broad Street, in front of the New York Stock Exchange, Financial District
- Significance: This is one of the oldest tree lighting ceremonies in the city, often featuring the famous NYSE bell-ringers and a visit from Santa Claus.
4. LIC Lights Up in Long Island City, Queens
For those seeking a festive event outside of Manhattan, the LIC Lights Up ceremony in Long Island City, Queens, offers a vibrant, community-focused celebration. This event is a great way to experience the holiday spirit with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM ET
- Location: 43-81 Hunter Street, Long Island City, Queens
- Community Focus: Expect local performances, hot chocolate, and a family-friendly atmosphere that highlights the growing Long Island City neighborhood.
5. Washington Square Park Tree Lighting
The Washington Square Park Tree Lighting brings a distinctly bohemian and historic charm to the holiday season. The tree is lit beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch, a beautiful marble structure that provides an unparalleled photo opportunity.
- Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
- Time: Approximately 5:00 PM ET
- Location: Under the Washington Square Arch, Greenwich Village
- Unique Tradition: The ceremony includes a sing-along of holiday carols led by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet, making it a uniquely participatory and heartwarming event in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Essential Tips for Attending the 2025 NYC Tree Lightings
Attending a New York City Christmas tree lighting, especially the one at Rockefeller Center, requires careful planning due to the massive crowds. These events are a significant part of the city’s holiday tradition and draw millions of visitors annually, so preparation is key to enjoying the spectacle.
Navigating the Rockefeller Center Crowds
The area around Rockefeller Plaza (including Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue) becomes completely gridlocked on December 3rd. Security checkpoints and street closures begin early in the afternoon.
- Arrive Early: To secure a decent viewing spot, spectators often start arriving as early as 1:00 PM ET, nearly eight hours before the lights are officially turned on.
- Public Transit is Mandatory: Do not attempt to drive. Take the subway (B, D, F, M to 47th-50th Sts–Rockefeller Center or E to 5th Ave/53rd St). Streets leading to the plaza are closed to vehicles.
- Dress Warmly: December evenings in New York are cold. Layers, hats, gloves, and scarves are essential, as you will be standing outside for many hours.
- Alternative Viewing: For a less crowded experience, consider visiting the tree on any day after the lighting, from 6:00 AM to midnight, until early January 2026.
Beyond the Main Event: Other Holiday Entities
While the tree lightings are the main draw, the entire city is dressed for the holidays. To maximize your topical authority visit, be sure to include these other key holiday entities in your itinerary:
- Radio City Music Hall: See the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: The dazzling animated light display on the facade of the department store, directly across from Rockefeller Center.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The magnificent architecture provides a stunning contrast to the modern holiday decorations nearby.
- Holiday Markets: Explore the markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle for unique gifts and seasonal treats.
The 2025 New York Christmas Tree Lighting schedule offers a perfect blend of historic tradition and modern spectacle. By following this guide, you can ensure you catch the most significant illuminations and fully immerse yourself in the unforgettable holiday spirit of New York City.
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