URGENT UPDATE: The iconic 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is set to be cut down on November 6, marking a major event in this year’s holiday season. Hailing from East Greenbush, New York, the magnificent 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce was generously donated by the local Russ family, who have cherished it for over 60 years.
The tree will embark on a 140-mile journey to its new home at Rockefeller Center, where it will be erected on November 8. This year, visitors can RSVP to a special “Meet The Tree” celebration at Rockefeller Center Plaza, offering a free, family-friendly event that promises to be a highlight of the season.
The official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, airing live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC. As the lights illuminate the tree, it will become a beacon of holiday cheer and community spirit in New York City.
In conjunction with its festive role, the tree will be adorned with 50,000 LED bulbs and topped with a striking nine-foot-diameter Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds. Head gardener Erik Pauze, who has scoured for the perfect trees for over 30 years, identified the Russ family’s tree as “perfect” upon seeing a photograph.
Following the holiday season, the tree will not only serve as a symbol of joy but will also contribute to a noble cause. Since 2007, the Rockefeller Center Christmas trees have been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where they are milled into beams to help build homes across the nation.
Judy Russ, a member of the Russ family, expressed her excitement, stating, “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.”
As this beloved tradition unfolds, it encapsulates the enduring spirit of New York City and the memories it continues to create each holiday season. Stay tuned as more updates unfold on this year’s festivities surrounding the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
