Christmas News: Rockefeller Center’s Beloved Christmas Tree Arrives This Weekend

Rockefeller Center’s Iconic Christmas Tree Arrives This Weekend, Kicking Off the Holiday Season

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition began in 1931, when construction workers building Rockefeller Center put up a small tree and decorated it with handmade garlands to lift their spirits during the Great Depression.

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Two years later, in 1933, Rockefeller Center made it an official annual event with lights and a public ceremony. Since then, it has grown into one of the most famous holiday traditions in the world, featuring a massive Norway spruce often over 70 feet tall, decorated with thousands of lights and topped with a stunning star. Each year’s tree is donated, and after the season, the wood is often repurposed for charitable causes.

Each year’s Rockefeller Christmas Tree is donated, and after the season, the wood is often repurposed for charitable causes. This year's tree is coming from East Greenbush, New York (located near the State Capitol, Albany). The Russ Family is donating the 75-foot spruce in honor of her husband, Dan, who passed away 5 years ago (2020) at age 32. Judy said they always talked about how this tree could be a "Rockefeller Center Tree," and this is a wonderful tribute to Dan for millions to see his tree. Judy and her son Liam (7) plan to be on hand for the lighting of the tree.

The official tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 3rd, 2025.

According to NBC News, Judy said,  “Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree is lit, so I’m probably going to be inconsolable that day, but it’s going to be great.”