NBC has announced the performer lineup and broadcast plans for its 2025 Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. Country icon and Voice judge Reba McEntire will make her debut as this year’s host as the network prepares to celebrate the season from Manhattan’s most famous plaza.

The special will air live at 8:00 p.m. ET on December 3, 2025, with a simultaneous stream available on Peacock. The evening’s roster includes performances from Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Laufey and Gwen Stefani, among others.

Returning to the show floor, the Radio City Rockettes — marking their 100th anniversary — are set to deliver their trademark choreography and holiday spectacle. Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, noted that the Rockefeller tree-lighting remains a cherished New York tradition and expressed enthusiasm for McEntire’s lively presence on the telecast.

The festivities build on more than nine decades of history: the inaugural Rockefeller Center tree lighting took place in 1933, and the rink that frames today’s ceremony opened in 1936, creating the backdrop that generations of viewers recognize.

This year’s tree is a Norway spruce sourced from East Greenbush, New York. Officials say the specimen stands roughly 75 feet tall and spans about 45 feet across, weighing near 11 tons. Crowned with a three-dimensional Swarovski star, the tree will be illuminated by more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights.

Last year’s special, in 2024, was hosted by Kelly Clarkson and featured acts such as the Backstreet Boys, Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Little Big Town and RAYE.

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