In brief
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a 75-foot tall Norway spruce, has made its journey to NYC after being cut down in East Greenbush. The tree, believed to be from the 1920s, will be adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star. Its lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, hosted by Reba McEntire, and it will be on display until mid-January before being repurposed for Habitat for Humanity.
NEW YORK CITY, NY – The much-anticipated Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Center this holiday season has officially arrived in New York City. Standing at an impressive 75 feet (23 meters) tall and weighing 11 tons, this magnificent Norway spruce was cut down in East Greenbush, approximately 150 miles north of Manhattan.
The tree was carefully loaded onto a 100-foot-long (31-meter-long) trailer, drawing a crowd of admirers eager to witness the occasion. On Saturday, the tree is set to take its place in front of the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza, overlooking the historic ice skating rink.
Once positioned, the tree will be decorated with an astounding 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights and will be crowned with a dazzling Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds. The official lighting ceremony is planned for December 3, where country music star Reba McEntire will host the live TV event.
After the holidays, the tree will remain on display until mid-January before it is transformed into lumber to support building projects for the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.
Generously donated by homeowner Judy Russ and her family, the tree has deep family connections as it was originally planted by her husband’s great-grandparents back in the 1920s. Reflecting on the tree's journey, Russ expressed, “For this to now become the center of New York City Christmas is incredible.”
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree dates back to 1931, originally established to uplift spirits during the Great Depression. The inaugural tree was a modest 20-foot balsam fir, adorned with handmade garlands by the workers' families at the time. This cherished annual ceremony has continued, with the first formal lighting event held in 1933.
