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Your guide to Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is the beating heart of Christmas in New York City, where festive lights, world‑famous traditions, and iconic winter activities come together each year. From the towering Christmas tree to legendary ice skating and panoramic skyline views, this destination brings holiday magic to Midtown Manhattan.

Did you know?

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The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a 75‑foot Norway spruce donated by a family from East Greenbush, NY, and adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and a 900‑pound Swarovski star.

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The iconic ice skating rink in the plaza was installed in 1936 and has operated every holiday season since 1939.

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The official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for 2025 took place on December 3, broadcast live as part of NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”

Why spend Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center in New York City with holiday decorations and 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Few holiday experiences in the world rival the magic of Rockefeller Center at Christmas. Picture yourself amidst the twinkling lights of the tallest spruce in New York, its Swarovski star shimmering against Midtown’s skyline. Beneath this glow, you can glide across an ice rink that has welcomed skaters for generations or sip a warm drink while taking in the festive buzz of the plaza. Combine this with breathtaking views from Top of the Rock and seasonal photo ops, and you get a holiday visit filled with iconic sights, joyful traditions, and unforgettable memories.

Top attractions and activities you don’t want to miss

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony

  • Dates: December 3, 2025
  • Timings: 7–10pm
  • Location: Rockefeller Plaza
  • Included with admission: Free public event
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Join thousands in Midtown Manhattan as NYC’s most iconic Christmas tree bursts to life, framed by live performances, holiday music, and the glow of thousands of lights that signal the start of the season.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree display

  • Dates: December 3, 2025 – mid‑January 2026
  • Timings: Daily 5am–Midnight (extended on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
  • Location: Rockefeller Plaza
  • Included with admission: Free to view
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Marvel at the towering Norway spruce decked with tens of thousands of LED lights and a Swarovski star, glowing against the Midtown skyline and serving as the backdrop for classic NYC winter photos.

The Rink

  • Dates: October 11, 2025 – March 2026 (holiday overlap Dec 2025)
  • Timings: Daily 9am–midnight
  • Location: Lower Plaza
  • Included with admission: Ticketed experience (pay per session)
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome (children under 6 must be accompanied)

Glide beneath the glittering Christmas tree on one of NYC’s iconic outdoor rinks, where the buzz of Midtown and the season’s sparkle make every lap feel like a holiday tradition.

Top of the Rock – Holiday tree viewing experience

  • Dates: December 4, 2025 – January 10, 2026
  • Timings: Top of the Rock hours (check ticket time slot)
  • Location: Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • Included with admission: Yes with Top of the Rock ticket (General, All‑In, Express Pass)
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Step into a dedicated viewing area for an up‑close, festive look at the Christmas tree before heading up for breathtaking panoramic views of NYC twinkling under holiday lights.

Santa Photo Pass at Top of the Rock

  • Dates: December 5–25, 2025
  • Timings: During Top of the Rock operating hours, check ticket slot
  • Location: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Rockefeller Center
  • Included with admission: Add-on ticket required (separate from general admission)
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Capture a festive moment with Santa against the iconic NYC skyline. Enjoy a fun, holiday-themed photo experience that makes your Rockefeller Center visit unforgettable.

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show

  • Dates: November 24, 2025–January 4, 2026
  • Timings: Every 10 minutes from 5–11pm
  • Location: Saks Fifth Avenue, across from Rockefeller Center
  • Included with admission: Free
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Watch the building come alive with synchronized lights and holiday music, creating a magical spectacle that perfectly complements the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and plaza atmosphere.

A brief history of Christmas at Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition began in 1931, when construction workers placed a modest 20‑foot tree in the plaza during the Great Depression. By 1933 the first official lighting ceremony had emerged, and the spectacle has since grown into a global holiday landmark. Over the decades, the tree—usually a Norway spruce—has become a symbol of unity and festive spirit in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Beneath it, generations of visitors have skated, snapped photos, and soaked in the city’s holiday rhythm, making Rockefeller Center synonymous with Christmas in New York City.

Frequently asked questions about Rockefeller Center Christmas

Yes, most Christmas events at Rockefeller Center are open to the public. Ice skating and Top of the Rock require separate tickets, but viewing the tree and attending the lighting ceremony are free. Check your options here.

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