The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will originate from East Greenbush, New York. This year’s selection is a stunning 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce, with a diameter of 45 feet, generously donated by the local Russ family. The tree, estimated to be as old as its height, is set to be cut down on November 6 and will make its way to Rockefeller Plaza, where it will be erected on November 8.
A family-friendly celebration, dubbed “Meet The Tree,” will welcome the iconic tree’s arrival at Rockefeller Center. The event invites the community to gather and celebrate its significance. The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, from 19:00 to 22:00, and will be broadcast live on NBC.
The Russ family has cherished this tree for over 60 years, with Judy Russ expressing her excitement about sharing new memories as it transforms into “the world’s Christmas tree.” The tree will be adorned with 50,000 LED bulbs and crowned with a nine-foot-diameter Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds.
Head gardener Erik Pauze, who has been responsible for selecting the tree for more than three decades, described this year’s tree as “perfect” upon seeing its photograph. The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree spans 92 years and adds a unique touch to the holiday season by donating the tree after the holidays to Habitat for Humanity. Since 2007, the trees have been milled into beams used to construct homes across the United States, often in the states where they were originally sourced.
The Rockefeller Center 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 not only marks the beginning of the holiday season in New York City but also celebrates the enduring spirit of the community that keeps the city vibrant year after year.
