The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a 75 feet-tall Norway Spruce is installed on Center Plaza at Rockefeller Center in New York City, U.S., November 8, 2025.
A man touches fabric wrapped around the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce, before it is installed at Center Plaza in Rockefeller Center, New York City, U.S., November 8, 2025.
US actress Reba McEntire arrives for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025.
usaHalle Bailey attends the 2025 GQ Men Of The Year party at Chateau Marmont on November 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Christmas is coming, and so are the end-of-the-year holiday traditions.

One season favorite is watching the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony in New York City. This year's 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce is from East Greenbush, which is about 150 miles from Manhattan.

The tree, approximately 75 years old, was scouted from a local family's property. It was cut and transported to the city in early November.

The grand fixture will be decorated with 50,000 LED Christmas lights with a Swarovski star on top. Here's how to watch the tree lighting from home.

Where to watch NBC's 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center'

The live broadcast of the tree lighting will premiere on NBC and Peacock on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. ET.

Who is hosting the special?

The special will be hosted by country icon Reba McEntire, who is also slated to perform. NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie will also be in attendance.

"Reba's about to light up your holiday season!"NBC said in an Oct. 23 social media post. McEntire stars in the network's sitcom "Happy's Place" and serves as a coach on the 28th season of "The Voice."

Last year's host was musician and talk show host Kelly Clarkson.

What artists are performing?

According to NBC, artists from R&B to country will perform at the annual event. The list includes:

  • Halle Bailey
  • New Edition
  • Gwen Stefani
  • Marc Anthony
  • Michael Bublé
  • Laufey
  • Kristin Chenoweth
  • Brad Paisley
  • Carly Pearce
  • Radio City Rockettes

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When do they light the tree at Rockefeller Center? Date, how to watch.

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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