Reba McEntire, The Rockettes & Star-Studded Performances Shine at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting | No Intervals
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has always been one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions — a night of music, memory, and magic set against the glow of New York City’s most famous Christmas tree. But this year’s celebration, featuring Reba McEntire, the legendary Radio City Rockettes, and a dazzling lineup of guest performers, delivered something truly unforgettable. With no intervals and a seamless flow from one moment to the next, the 2025 broadcast felt like a continuous wave of Christmas joy washing over millions of viewers.
From the moment the show began, the streets around Rockefeller Plaza vibrated with excitement. Crowds wrapped in scarves and glowing in festive lights gathered shoulder-to-shoulder beneath the towering Norway spruce. Camera cranes swept across the scene, capturing a sea of smiling faces and the shimmering promise of the night ahead. And then, in a moment that set the tone for the entire evening, Reba McEntire took the stage.
Reba opened the show with warmth that only she can deliver — her voice as rich, steady, and comforting as a fireside glow. Dressed in elegant holiday red, she performed a medley of Christmas classics that brought both nostalgia and excitement. Her renditions of “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” and her own festive hit “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” reminded viewers why she remains one of the most beloved voices in American music.
Reba wasn’t just a performer — she was the guiding star of the evening. Her storytelling, humor, and natural warmth tied the night together, making a large, spectacular event feel intimate and heartfelt.
No Rockefeller Christmas celebration is complete without the Radio City Rockettes, and this year, they delivered a performance nothing short of breathtaking. In their iconic red-and-white costumes, the Rockettes filled the stage with their world-famous precision kicks, glittering formations, and spectacular choreography. Their “March of the Wooden Soldiers” drew gasps from the audience, while their brand-new holiday number brought a fresh burst of energy to the beloved tradition.
Their appearance served as a joyful reminder that Christmas in New York is as much about artistry and tradition as it is about music and celebration.
Guest Performances That Sparkled
The show also featured a stellar lineup of performers from across genres, each adding their own sparkle to the night:
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A country trio brought harmony-rich renditions of classic carols.
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A Broadway cast dazzled with an uplifting show tune that filled the air with theatrical wonder.
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A gospel choir, glowing in shimmering gold robes, delivered a soul-stirring performance of “Joy to the World.”
Each performance flowed seamlessly into the next — no breaks, no pauses — creating a musical tapestry that never dipped in energy or emotion.
As the countdown began, Reba returned to center stage, the crowd clapping and cheering as anticipation built. With her hand resting on the giant switch, she led the final seconds:
“Five… four… three… two… one!”
And then — the tree lit up.
Thousands of lights burst into brilliance, sending a ripple of awe across the plaza. The cameras captured children gazing upward with wonder, couples embracing, and families smiling with pure delight. The moment felt both timeless and brand-new, wrapped in the magic of tradition and the thrill of the present.
The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting was more than a show — it was a shared experience. The combination of Reba McEntire’s heart, the Rockettes’ sparkle, and the star-studded supporting cast created a celebration that felt bigger than any one performance. It reminded millions of the joy, unity, and hope that the holiday season brings.
With no intervals breaking the flow, the night unfolded like one continuous story — a warm, glittering welcome into the Christmas season.
And as Reba closed the evening with a final blessing of peace, love, and joy, one thing was clear:
Christmas had officially arrived in New York City — glowing brighter than ever.