The iconic 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be sourced from East Greenbush, New York. A press release from Rockefeller Center’s Magazine staff announced that the tree, a magnificent 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce, will be cut down on November 6, 2025, after being generously donated by the local Russ family. This majestic tree, estimated to be as old as its height, will embark on a 140-mile journey to reach its new home at Rockefeller Center Plaza, where it will be installed on November 8, 2025.
Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate the tree’s arrival during a family-friendly event titled “Meet The Tree.” This gathering at the Plaza will welcome everyone to participate in the festivities. The renowned tree lighting ceremony is set to take place on December 3, 2025, from 19:00 to 22:00 and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Judy Russ expressed her family’s joy and nostalgia, stating that this tree has been a central part of their celebrations for the past 60 years. She remarked on the excitement of creating new memories with loved ones as it transforms into “the world’s Christmas tree.”
Head gardener Erik Pauze, who has been selecting trees for this event for over 30 years, described the Russ family’s tree as “perfect” upon viewing its photo. The tree will be adorned with 50,000 LED bulbs and crowned with a stunning 9-foot-diameter Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds.
In keeping with its long-standing tradition, the Rockefeller Center will donate the tree to Habitat for Humanity after the holiday season. This initiative, started in 2007, turns the trees into beams that are used in the construction of homes across the United States, often within the state of origin.
The Rockefeller Center’s Magazine staff noted, “For the Russ family, for Erik Pauze, and for millions who gather at Rockefeller Center, this year’s tree is a reminder that love, light, and community can grow from the roots of family and history.” The lighting of the tree will not only signal the start of the holiday season in New York City but also celebrate the enduring spirit of its residents and the legacy of those who contribute to its festive atmosphere year after year.
