Holiday Hoax or Holiday Hope? — Why the “Paul & Ringo to Light Up Rockefeller Center 2025” Story Seems Unlikely
It sounds like a dreamy Christmas headline: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr standing under the lights of Rockefeller Center, co-hosting the 2025 tree-lighting — the kind of Beatles reunion fantasy many fans would love. But at this point, the claim doesn’t hold up — and here’s why.
🌲 What we actually know about 2025’s lighting
The 2025 lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The iconic Norway spruce (75 feet tall, donated from East Greenbush, NY) will be adorned with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star.
The televised holiday special Christmas in Rockefeller Center (on NBC / streaming on Peacock) will air from 8–10 p.m. ET on that date.
The officially announced 2025 host is Reba McEntire, who will also perform during the broadcast — marking her first time hosting the event.
No credible or official source (be it Rockefeller Center, NBC, or reputable entertainment press) has announced Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr as co-hosts for the 2025 lighting.
❓ So what’s behind the Paul & Ringo claim?
The narrative of McCartney and Starr teaming up for the tree-lighting seems to stem from social-media posts — not verified press releases or announcements. Indeed:
A post reportedly claiming “Paul & Ringo to co-host 2025 Christmas in Rockefeller Center” has been struck down by at least one source stating “this is not true.”
There is no mention of such a star pairing in coverage from major entertainment outlets covering the 2025 event. Coverage instead centers on Reba McEntire as host, along with other announced musical guests and performers.
Given this — it appears the “Paul & Ringo to light up Rockefeller Center” narrative is unverified, likely a rumor or holiday-season wishful thinking rather than an actual plan.
🎄 The Reality — and What Makes the Official 2025 Ceremony Special
Despite the disappointment (for Beatles fans) that McCartney and Starr won’t be co-hosting — 2025’s tree lighting still promises a festive, star-studded evening:
A magnificent 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush now stands on the plaza, decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a grand Swarovski star.
The broadcasting tradition — established on national TV as early as 1951 and live-streamed broadly since 1997 — continues strong.
This year’s live special will feature performances and appearances by a long list of celebrated artists, as well as the legendary dance troupe Radio City Rockettes — adding holiday cheer and spectacle to the night.
✨ Why We Still Love the Idea of “Paul & Ringo Under the Lights”
There’s something undeniably magical about imagining two surviving members of the groundbreaking band The Beatles together again for a holiday moment — the nostalgia, the symbolism, the joy.
That said, holiday spectacles like the Rockefeller tree lighting have a long tradition of mixing celebrity, music, and communal joy — even without Beatles-level legends. This year’s lineup shows the ceremony continues to embrace that spirit.
While 2025 might not deliver a Beatles-style reunion, it will almost certainly deliver warmth, music, and that holiday magic people around the world tune in for.
