Midtown Manhattan has a way of transforming itself every December into something that feels larger than life. The city that never sleeps seems to glow from within, radiating a brilliant energy that draws millions toward its bustling streets, towering displays, and iconic traditions. Among the most cherished of these traditions is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an event that has, for generations, marked the true beginning of the holiday season in New York City. The ceremony is more than just the switching on of lights; it is a shared cultural moment—a blend of music, spectacle, warmth, and nostalgia that reminds people why the holidays still matter in a world that often moves too fast.
This year’s lighting continued that legacy with a broadcast that felt both grand and intimate, familiar yet freshly electric. The plaza itself seemed almost dreamlike, bathed in the glow of storefront displays, framed by the rink’s reflections, and animated by the anticipation of families, tourists, and lifelong New Yorkers waiting to witness the official start of the season. At the center of this glowing scene stood the star of the night: a towering 75-foot Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York. It was wrapped lovingly in 50,000 LED lights, each small but brilliant, together forming a luminous curtain of winter magic. Above it rested the iconic Swarovski star, its facets catching the television lights with a glimmer that felt almost ethereal.
Television audiences across the country tuned in as the ceremony aired live on NBC and Peacock, and viewers were immediately welcomed into a show filled with warmth, humor, and the comfortable charm that only a seasoned host can provide. Reba McEntire led the evening with ease and joy, and the presence of “TODAY” anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie added an element of familiarity. Their conversations, transitions, and interactions created a friendly throughline that held the night together, positioning the music as the heartbeat while they provided the thread that stitched everything into one cohesive celebration.
The show’s first musical spark came from Gwen Stefani, an artist whose holiday presence has grown stronger with each passing year. Emerging onto the stage in a bright pink ensemble, Stefani immediately captured attention with her performance of “Shake the Snow Globe,” a festive and playful track that carries her signature blend of personality and pop charisma. Her voice, distinct and instantly recognizable, lifted the spirit of the crowd and set the tone for what would be a night of joyful performances. But she didn’t stop there. Stefani returned to the stage twice more, first bringing the whimsical sweetness of “Hot Cocoa,” a song that practically begs the listener to wrap themselves in a blanket and lean into the comfort of the season. Then, later in the night, she reappeared in a striking green gown that shimmered beautifully under the stage lights as she sang “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” the title track from her 2017 holiday album. The performance reminded viewers why she has become such a beloved fixture of the annual ceremony.
Yet, for all the sparkle and high-energy numbers, some of the most memorable moments of the night came from the quieter, more heartfelt performances. Reba McEntire delivered one such moment early in the show with her tender rendition of Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Dressed in a white fur coat and gloves, McEntire seemed to embody the spirit of holiday grace. Her voice—warm, velvety, and rich with decades of experience—carried the message of the song with understated power. It was a performance that felt less like entertainment and more like a shared wish, whispered collectively by everyone watching. In a time when the world often feels uncertain, her words resonated with depth and sincerity. Later, she returned to the stage with a burst of lively energy, embracing the rock-and-roll delight of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run.” The contrast between the two performances showcased her range and reminded viewers of her effortless ability to move between genres and moods.
Michael Bublé, a man almost synonymous with modern Christmas music, soon followed with a rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas” that felt as classic as the holiday season itself. There is something about Bublé’s presence—his ease, his charm, his old-soul delivery—that invites listeners into a nostalgic space. The performance felt comfortable and comforting, like hearing a familiar voice at a family gathering. But his most magical contribution to the evening came later when he joined country star Carly Pearce for a duet of “Maybe This Christmas.” Their voices blended beautifully, complementing each other in a way that felt natural and serene. Pearce, with her soft yet emotionally strong vocal style, matched Bublé’s warmth with equally heartfelt expression. Their harmonies floated across the plaza with a kind of gentle brilliance, making this duet one of the night’s standout moments.
As the evening continued, the lineup of performances remained diverse, offering something for every type of holiday music lover. Halle Bailey took the stage with “Last Christmas,” lending the classic tune her signature vocal clarity and emotional nuance. Her performance was understated but impactful, showcasing her ability to bring depth and softness to even the most familiar songs. Marc Anthony followed with a spirited take on “Christmas Auld Lang Syne,” infusing the track with his distinctive charisma and rhythmic flair. His first performance of the night was a satisfying warm-up, but it was his return to the stage that truly ignited the crowd. When Anthony launched into “Feliz Navidad,” the plaza transformed instantly. The bilingual classic encouraged people to dance, sing, and embrace the universal joy of the season. His choice to close with “Vivir mi vida,” a powerful anthem about resilience and celebration, felt symbolic—an uplifting reminder of hope and strength, delivered through his unmistakable voice.
Brad Paisley brought a different kind of energy with his rendition of “The First Noel.” The performance was gentle and rooted in tradition, offering a serene counterbalance to the evening’s more energized numbers. Paisley’s smooth tone and understated approach allowed the song’s natural beauty to shine through. It felt like a moment of pause, a musical breath where viewers could simply appreciate the simplicity and meaning of the carol.
Then came Laufey, the rising Icelandic singer-songwriter who has quickly made a name for herself with her dreamy, jazzy sound. Wearing a festive red coat and matching beanie, she performed “Christmas Magic,” a track from her holiday EP “A Very Laufey Holiday.” Her performance felt refreshing—modern yet timeless, cozy yet polished. Laufey’s voice carries a softness that feels like snow falling gently, and the audience embraced her unique musical style with warmth. Her cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” continued that atmosphere, blending jazz influences with her signature tone to create a version fully her own. It was a reminder of how quickly she has become one of the most original and compelling voices in contemporary music.
Throughout the night, the performances intertwined seamlessly with the larger energy of the celebration. The camera panned often to the crowd—families huddled together, excited children wrapped in scarves and hats, friends leaning into one another for warmth and photographs, and couples sharing quiet moments amid the electric atmosphere. These glimpses of real joy added texture to the broadcast, grounding the spectacle in human connection. The Rockefeller Center rink glistened behind the stage, reflecting the lights above and echoing the movement of skaters circling below. Even the buildings surrounding the plaza seemed to participate in the celebration, their glass and steel surfaces capturing the glow of the tree.
For viewers at home, the show served as both entertainment and emotional balm. During a season that often encourages reflection, the ceremony offered a chance to reconnect with the childlike wonder that can sometimes fade with age or stress. It reminded audiences of the power of music to create moments of unity, even across distances. The mix of genres—pop, country, jazz, Latin, and traditional carols—mirrored the diversity of the city itself. Each performance contributed something meaningful, whether it was a burst of energy, a moment of calm, or a reminder of traditions that continue to give people comfort.
As the show built toward the climactic moment—those few seconds before the switch was flipped—excitement grew palpable. The hosts gathered near the tree, counting down with the crowd, their voices rising above the hum of anticipation. When the tree finally burst into full illumination, it felt like the city collectively exhaled. The thousands of lights shimmered with the kind of brilliance that cameras can never fully capture, casting a glow that embraced everyone watching. The Swarovski star sparkled like a beacon, and the crowd erupted with cheers, applause, and laughter. Children gazed upward with shining eyes, couples embraced, and families took photos that they would treasure for years.
The lighting symbolized more than the beginning of the holiday season; it served as a reminder that even in hectic times, there are moments of beauty that pull people together. It is a tradition rooted in joy, meant to ignite a sense of togetherness that can feel rare in a fast-paced world. For many, the Rockefeller tree is not just a symbol of Christmas—it is a symbol of hope, reflection, and the universal desire to find brightness even in the darkest months of the year.
As the broadcast came to an end, the performances continued to linger in the memory. Gwen Stefani’s sparkling confidence, Reba’s heartfelt grace, Bublé’s velvety charm, Carly Pearce’s emotional resonance, Halle Bailey’s gentle soulfulness, Marc Anthony’s ecstatic energy, Brad Paisley’s quiet warmth, and Laufey’s refreshing originality—each artist contributed a thread to the tapestry of the night. Together, they created something vibrant and multilayered, much like the city that hosted them.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting remains a yearly reminder of why traditions endure. They anchor us during uncertain times, offering a touch of normalcy, nostalgia, and connection. Whether watched in person or from afar, the ceremony brings people into a shared moment of celebration. It is a reminder that joy can still be found in simple things: a song, a light, a gathering, a wish for peace. And in a world that often feels divided, these moments matter more than ever.
This year’s lighting delivered exactly what people hoped for—a night of music, magic, and meaning. A night when Midtown Manhattan shone not just with lights, but with the glowing spirit of the season. It was a celebration that lit up the plaza, the city, and the hearts of viewers everywhere, welcoming another holiday season with open arms and shimmering brilliance
