The snow hasn’t even touched the ground yet — but Christmas just came early.
Moments ago, NBC officially confirmed that Steven Tyler, the electrifying frontman of Aerosmith and one of the most iconic voices in rock history, will host the 2025 “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through both the music industry and fans around the world, marking Tyler’s first time ever leading America’s most beloved holiday celebration.
And this year, it won’t just be about the lights — it’ll be about the light within.
🌟 A Rock Legend Meets a Timeless Tradition
For more than 90 years, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting has stood as a beacon of holiday spirit — an American tradition uniting millions through music, hope, and joy. Now, in 2025, that stage will welcome a host unlike any before: Steven Tyler, the man whose voice has defined generations and whose energy can still shake a city block.
NBC executives described the decision as “a bold and beautiful blend of classic holiday warmth and raw rock ’n’ roll soul.”
“Steven brings heart, humor, and humanity — everything the holidays are about,” said executive producer Lorne Michaels. “He’s not just performing; he’s storytelling, connecting, and celebrating the spirit of giving in a way only he can.”
Under the glow of 50,000 shimmering LED lights, Tyler will not only host the event but also perform a series of special musical numbers — including soulful renditions of “Silent Night”, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, and a reimagined rock version of “Run Rudolph Run”.
🎤 “New York in December Has a Rhythm All Its Own”
Speaking from his New York rehearsal studio, Tyler shared his excitement in a statement that instantly went viral:
“New York in December has a rhythm all its own,” he said. “This isn’t just about lighting a tree — it’s about lighting up the world with a little rock ’n’ roll and a lot of love.”
The 77-year-old legend, whose career has spanned over five decades, is no stranger to reinvention. From stadium stages to intimate acoustic sets, from blues to gospel to pure rock chaos, Steven Tyler has always found new ways to express joy and truth through music.
Now, with the Rockefeller stage as his canvas, he’s bringing that same fire — but with a Christmas twist.
🎶 A Star-Studded Holiday Lineup
NBC has also teased a “dream lineup” of special guests who will join Tyler live on December 3. While the full roster remains under wraps, early leaks suggest appearances from Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Darci Lynne, alongside a surprise duet that producers are calling “a moment fans will remember for decades.”
Rumor has it that Tyler will reunite with his Aerosmith bandmates for a one-night-only acoustic performance of “Dream On (Christmas Edition)”, featuring orchestral strings, children’s choirs, and snowfall effects across Rockefeller Plaza.
An insider described the set as “equal parts rock opera and holiday prayer — a performance that will give goosebumps to anyone watching, even from miles away.”
🎁 Heart, Harmony, and the Spirit of Giving
Beyond the spectacle, this year’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” will spotlight something deeply personal to Steven Tyler: giving back.
Tyler has long supported youth and family charities through his foundation, Janie’s Fund, which aids survivors of abuse and trauma. For the 2025 broadcast, NBC has confirmed that a portion of proceeds from merchandise and streaming views will be donated to Janie’s Fund — a gesture that blends holiday celebration with purpose.
“The holidays can be hard for a lot of people,” Tyler said softly in a behind-the-scenes clip. “But music has a way of reminding us that no one’s truly alone. If a song, a smile, or a light can help someone get through the night — that’s what it’s all about.”
Throughout the evening, stories of hope and resilience will be woven between performances — from families reunited after hardship to children sharing messages of gratitude from across the country.
🕯️ A Night of Magic — and Meaning
Rockefeller Center is preparing for what producers are calling “the most cinematic broadcast in the event’s history.” The entire plaza will transform into a winter wonderland: glistening snow machines, vintage streetlamps, and a 90-foot Norway spruce crowned with the world-famous Swarovski crystal star.
Tyler’s creative team has even commissioned a custom stage shaped like a guitar headstock, designed to glow in sync with the lights of the tree itself.
As rehearsals began this week, fans outside Rockefeller Plaza caught glimpses of Tyler working through choreography and vocal warm-ups. One onlooker described the moment perfectly:
“You could feel the energy even in rehearsal. He wasn’t just singing — he was feeling every word. It was like watching Christmas come alive through rock ’n’ roll.”
🎬 Broadcast Details & Global Reach
The live broadcast airs Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and will stream simultaneously on Peacock, reaching an estimated 120 countries.
For the first time ever, the event will also feature 360° interactive camera angles, allowing viewers to virtually “stand” within Rockefeller Plaza as the tree lights up — an immersive experience designed for both television and VR platforms.
NBC Universal’s holiday division has already reported record-breaking advertising interest, signaling that this year’s special may become the most-watched Christmas broadcast of the decade.
🎸 From “Dream On” to “Dream Big”
For Steven Tyler, this isn’t just another gig — it’s a personal milestone. After recovering from a challenging few years marked by health scares and postponed tours, his hosting role represents renewal, gratitude, and the continuation of a lifelong love affair with music.
“I’ve been blessed to sing in every corner of the world,” Tyler reflected. “But this — standing under that tree, in the heart of New York, surrounded by joy — that’s something sacred. That’s the kind of magic you can’t fake.”
Fans around the world are already calling it “The Christmas comeback of the century.” Social media has flooded with posts like “Steven Tyler + Christmas = Pure Joy” and “Only he could turn Rockefeller into a rock cathedral.”
🌠 Behind the Scenes: A Family Affair
Those close to the production reveal that Tyler’s family will be in attendance — including his daughters Liv Tyler and Mia Tyler, who plan to join him backstage.
Liv reportedly told friends, “Dad always said Christmas was his favorite stage — now he finally gets to prove it to the world.”
Crew members describe the atmosphere around Tyler as “infectious.” Between rehearsals, he’s known to walk the plaza chatting with stagehands, hugging children in the crowd, and joking with security guards.
“He’s like a kid at Christmas,” one staff member said. “You can tell this means more to him than any award or headline. It’s pure heart.”
🎇 The Moment Everyone Will Be Waiting For
As midnight approaches and the world watches, Steven Tyler will take center stage — microphone in one hand, scarf in the other — leading the countdown to the lighting of the iconic Rockefeller tree.
The final moments of the show are being kept tightly secret, but insiders suggest it will feature a breathtaking medley that fuses “Amazing Grace”, “Dream On”, and “Silent Night” into a single emotional finale — closing with Tyler whispering a message of peace and unity before the final chord fades.
“This isn’t about me,” he told NBC’s press team. “It’s about the music, the love, the light — and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we can all shine a little brighter together.”
🎁 One Night, One Legend, One Light
Whether you’ve followed him for fifty years or are hearing his voice for the first time, Steven Tyler’s debut as host of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” promises to be more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of connection, compassion, and the enduring spirit of joy.
So mark your calendars: Wednesday, December 3, 8 p.m. ET, NBC & Peacock.
Because this Christmas, under 50,000 lights and one rock legend’s roar, the world is about to remember what it means to believe again.
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center with Steven Tyler” — A Night Where Rock Meets Wonder.
