Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Sun Dec 14, 2025
3:30pm to 4:00pm ET
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Location:
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
212-332-6868
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, NY, 10020
Invite a friend Website

Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players congregate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites.

Tubists of all ages line up under the famous Christmas tree and fill the plaza with the organ-line sound of low brass. Spectators are encouraged to sing along with the Christmas carols and holiday favorites.

The musicians, hailing from across the country, are conducted by Chris Wilhjelm, conductor of the New Jersey Wind Symphony and former conductor of the famous Goldman Memorial Band. Conceived by tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, the late William J. Bell (Born Christmas Day, 1902), the first Tuba Christmas was presented at Rockefeller Center in 1974, conducted by Paul LaValle, of Band of America fame. This unusual Christmas tradition is firmly established in over 200 cities around the world.


 

** Activity dates/times are subject to change. Please click through to the activity website to verify.