Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters Set to Headline a Spectacular Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2025 Celebration
New York City is preparing for one of its most anticipated holiday traditions, and this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center celebration promises to be one of the most electrifying yet. NBC has officially announced that Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters will headline the 2025 tree-lighting ceremony, bringing their powerful sound, signature warmth, and unmistakable holiday spirit to the world’s most famous public Christmas celebration. With the 93rd annual lighting of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree set for December 3, 2025, organizers say this year’s event aims to blend classic holiday nostalgia with a bold, modern energy—making Foo Fighters the ideal centerpiece for the evening.
For decades, the beloved holiday special has featured some of the music industry’s biggest stars, from Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand to Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé. But the choice of Foo Fighters marks a unique shift: one that blends rock culture with holiday tradition, appealing to both longtime viewers and a younger generation of fans. With the band’s history of emotionally powerful live performances and Dave Grohl’s reputation as one of rock’s most beloved, charismatic frontmen, excitement surrounding the announcement has been immediate and widespread.
The band is expected to deliver a mix of classic Foo Fighters hits, seasonal favorites, and several special holiday collaborations yet to be announced. While the full setlist remains under wraps, insiders say the group is planning a performance crafted specifically for the event—one that honors the warmth and unity of the season while maintaining the band’s trademark intensity. Grohl, who is both a rock icon and a famously joyful fan of holiday traditions, is said to be personally involved in curating the set.
In a statement released by NBC, Grohl expressed his enthusiasm for headlining the event: “Rockefeller Center at Christmas is magical. We’ve watched the tree lighting every year with our families, and getting to perform there is an honor. The holidays are about connection and music, and we can’t wait to bring some Foo Fighters energy to one of the most special nights of the year.”
The announcement comes at a particularly resonant moment for the band. Since the release of their 2024 album Everything or Nothing at All and their critically acclaimed world tour, Foo Fighters have experienced a powerful resurgence, continuing to evolve artistically while maintaining the authenticity that has made them one of the most enduring rock bands of the last three decades. Their participation in the Rockefeller Center celebration symbolizes not just a musical event, but a cultural moment that reflects the band’s lasting influence and the joyful resilience they have embodied through their music.
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony is not merely a concert—it is a holiday spectacle watched by millions around the world. Each year, tens of thousands gather in Midtown Manhattan to witness the lighting in person, while millions more tune in from homes across the globe. This year’s tree, selected from Upstate New York, is a stunning Norway Spruce standing over 80 feet tall and adorned with more than 50,000 LED lights. The tradition, dating back to 1931, has grown from a humble gathering of construction workers to a worldwide symbol of holiday magic and unity.
The inclusion of Foo Fighters is expected to draw an especially wide audience, blending fans of rock music with annual viewers of the holiday special. Analysts predict that the 2025 broadcast may break viewership records, as the event represents a rare opportunity to see one of the most celebrated rock bands in a uniquely festive environment.
NBC has also hinted that several surprise collaborations will take place during the special, including artists from pop, classical, and soul genres. These unexpected musical pairings have become a hallmark of the Rockefeller Center celebration, and Grohl—who has a long history of cross-genre collaborations—is expected to play an active role in curating and participating in these moments.
Producers emphasize that the 2025 celebration is about more than entertainment—it’s about bringing people together during a season marked by gratitude, reflection, and hope. Foo Fighters’ presence underscores that theme: the band has long been associated with resilience and community, especially following challenges and losses they have faced in recent years. Grohl’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the healing power of music make him a fitting choice to help usher in the holiday season on one of the world’s most visible stages.
Beyond the headlining performance, the two-hour special will feature the annual countdown to the lighting of the tree, a tradition accompanied by fireworks, live orchestral arrangements, and holiday vignettes celebrating New York City’s rich cultural tapestry. The event will also highlight charitable initiatives, including partnerships with Feeding America and Toys for Tots, reminding viewers of the spirit of giving that defines the season.
Local businesses surrounding Rockefeller Center are preparing for an influx of visitors, as the Foo Fighters announcement has generated an immediate spike in travel interest for early December. Hotels near Midtown have already reported an increase in bookings, and tourism officials expect the event to deliver a major boost to the city’s holiday economy.
As anticipation builds, it is clear that this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center celebration will be more than a holiday tradition—it will be a night where rock and Christmas magic collide. With Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters at the helm, viewers can expect a performance that is heartfelt, powerful, and unmistakably joyful.
The 2025 Christmas in Rockefeller Center special will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock on Wednesday, December 3, from 8–10 p.m. EST. Whether watching from the chilly streets of Manhattan or from the warmth of home, audiences can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime holiday event that promises to be as unforgettable as the towering tree itself.
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