The longstanding tradition of illuminating the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree returns this evening. The broadcast titled Christmas in Rockefeller Center airs on December 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, with preliminary coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Country music icon and actress Reba McEntire, known for her roles in The Voice and Happy's Place, takes the stage as host and performer. The lineup includes appearances by Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, the Radio City Rockettes, and additional artists.
The ceremony to light the 2025 Rockefeller Center tree occurs on Wednesday, December 3.
Pre-event programming for the 2025 illumination starts at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by the main Christmas in Rockefeller Center show from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Viewers can catch the special on the NBC network or via live streaming on the Peacock platform.
Peacock's basic plan, priced at $10.99 per month with ads, provides on-demand access to NBC programming, along with certain live sports and events. Upgrading to the Premium Plus tier for $17 monthly removes advertisements, adds live streaming of local NBC stations beyond sports, and allows offline downloads of compatible content.
A new Apple TV package integrates Peacock's ad-supported service for $15 monthly, or the ad-free version for $20 per month.
Reba McEntire leads the festivities in NBC's yearly holiday program and delivers multiple musical numbers during the event.
Joining McEntire on stage are Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Gwen Stefani, and the Radio City Rockettes, marking the dance troupe's centennial year.