The Heart of New York is Lit... Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, a Spectacle of 50,000 LEDs and a Swarovski Star

The most dazzling signal announcing winter in New York has been launched. The massive spruce tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan awakened with 50,000 lights, marking the official start of the 2025 holiday season.

On the evening of the 3rd (local time), the '93rd Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony', broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, was grandly held under the direction of country music legend Reba McEntire.

◆ 75 Years, Reborn with 50,000 Lights

This year's star is a 75-year-old Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, standing 75 feet (about 23m) tall. As the lighting switch was turned on, 50,000 colorful LED lights wrapped around the tree lit up simultaneously, and the 900-pound (about 408kg) Swarovski Crystal Star perched on top sparkled in the night sky.

◆ The 'Rockettes' Turn 100, and a Celebration of Stars

This year's event was even more special. The precision dance troupe 'Radio City Rockettes', an icon of the American holiday season, celebrated its 100th anniversary (1925-2025) by presenting a legendary kickline that moved the audience.

The stage lineup was also glamorous. Latin pop king Marc Anthony heated up the venue with "Feliz Navidad," while Gwen Stefani added sweetness with her new song "Hot Cocoa." The 'Christmas Man' Michael Bublé performed a duet with Carly Pearce, and Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, and Halle Bailey filled the New York night with sweet carols.

◆ A Festival Leading to Nashville

Immediately following the dazzling lighting ceremony, a special broadcast titled "Christmas in Nashville" hosted by Trisha Yearwood connected the excitement of New York to the country music capital, Nashville. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will welcome New Yorkers and tourists every night until mid-January next year.