UPDATE: The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will come from East Greenbush, New York, marking a significant moment for the local community. The majestic 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce, with a 45-foot diameter, is set to be cut down on November 6, 2025, and make its way to New York City for the iconic holiday season.
This beloved tree has been donated by the Russ family, who have cherished it for over 60 years. “We are thrilled to see this tree become the world’s Christmas tree,” said Judy Russ, expressing her excitement for the new memories it will create with family and friends. After a journey of 140 miles, the tree will be installed at Rockefeller Center on November 8, 2025, where the public is invited to RSVP for the “Meet The Tree” celebration.
The official lighting ceremony, a hallmark of the New York holiday season, is scheduled for December 3, 2025, from 7 PM to 10 PM, broadcast live on NBC. This year’s tree will shine with 50,000 LED bulbs and a stunning 900-pound, nine-foot-diameter Swarovski star, creating a dazzling display for millions of visitors.
Head gardener Erik Pauze, who has been selecting trees for over 30 years, said the Russ family tree was “perfect” upon first sighting its photograph. This year’s tree continues the 92-year tradition of not only bringing joy during the holiday season but also contributing to the community. After the holidays, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be milled into beams to help build homes across the country.
“For the Russ family, for Erik Pauze, and for millions gathered at Rockefeller Center, this tree is a reminder that love, light, and community can grow from family roots,” the Center’s Magazine staff stated. The lighting ceremony will symbolize more than just another holiday season; it will celebrate the enduring spirit of New York City and its residents who keep the festive lights shining bright each year.
As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, New Yorkers and visitors alike are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a celebration that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Stay tuned for more updates as the tree’s journey unfolds!
