NEW YORK CITY – The holiday season in New York is officially on the horizon, as Rockefeller Center announced that this year’s iconic Christmas tree will come from East Greenbush, New York, a small town located just outside Albany. The majestic Norway spruce, known for its height, symmetry, and rich green color, will soon make its journey to Midtown Manhattan, where it will become the centerpiece of one of the world’s most beloved holiday traditions.
The tree is scheduled to be cut on Thursday, November 6, and will arrive in New York City two days later, on Saturday, November 8. Once in Rockefeller Plaza, a team of workers and arborists will carefully install the tree in preparation for the official lighting ceremony, a hallmark event that draws thousands of visitors in person and millions more watching from home.
Standing tall against the Manhattan skyline, this year’s Norway spruce will be adorned with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights. The tree will be crowned with a glittering Swarovski crystal star, a dazzling piece that has become a signature feature of the Rockefeller Center Christmas display. The star alone contains thousands of precision-cut crystals designed to reflect light in every direction, creating a brilliant centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season.
The annual lighting ceremony, titled “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” will take place on Wednesday, December 3. The event traditionally includes live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and a countdown to the moment when the tree’s lights are switched on, illuminating the plaza and signaling the beginning of the city’s festive celebrations. Visitors from around the world make the pilgrimage to Rockefeller Plaza each December to witness the spectacle in person, often marking it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been a cherished symbol of the holidays in New York City for more than nine decades. The tradition began in 1931 when construction workers building Rockefeller Center erected a small, undecorated tree as a gesture of hope during the Great Depression. Since then, the annual display has evolved into an international symbol of joy and community, reflecting both the resilience and unity of the season.
After the holiday season ends, the tree will not go to waste. As part of an ongoing sustainability initiative, the Norway spruce will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that uses the wood to help build homes for families in need. This environmentally conscious practice ensures that the tree’s legacy continues long after the lights are turned off and the decorations come down.
In keeping with tradition, the tree will remain on display at Rockefeller Plaza through mid-January 2026, giving visitors and New Yorkers alike ample opportunity to view the display. Crowds are expected to gather throughout the holiday season to admire the sparkling lights, take photos, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in one of the most iconic public spaces in the world.
For the residents of East Greenbush, the selection of their local tree marks a moment of pride and excitement. Each year, scouts from Rockefeller Center travel across the Northeast in search of the perfect tree—one that stands between 75 and 90 feet tall, with a strong trunk and symmetrical branches capable of supporting thousands of lights. This year’s selection reportedly stood out for its nearly flawless shape and lush appearance, making it a fitting choice for the 2025 celebration.
As anticipation builds, workers at Rockefeller Plaza are preparing the site for the installation. The area around the skating rink and Channel Gardens will soon be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with lights, decorations, and festive displays. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree remains one of New York’s most enduring symbols of hope, togetherness, and holiday cheer.
With its roots in upstate New York and its branches soon to light up Manhattan, the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree represents more than just a seasonal attraction—it embodies the shared joy, generosity, and unity that define the holiday season in America’s most iconic city.
