The iconic 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be sourced from East Greenbush, New York. The tree, a majestic 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce with a diameter of 45 feet, has been generously donated by the local Russ family. According to a press release from Rockefeller Center, the tree is estimated to be as old as it is tall and will be cut down on November 6, 2025, before making its way to the plaza on November 8, 2025.
In an exciting initiative, the public can RSVP to attend a free family-friendly event titled “Meet The Tree” during its arrival. This celebration will take place at Rockefeller Center Plaza, allowing attendees to witness the arrival of what will soon become a global symbol of the holiday season. The renowned tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025, from 19:00 to 22:00 and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Judy Russ, a member of the donating family, expressed her enthusiasm in the press release, stating that the tree has been part of the Russ family celebrations for over 60 years. She noted her excitement at the prospect of creating new memories with loved ones as the tree transforms into “the world’s Christmas tree.”
The tree will be adorned with 50,000 LED bulbs and topped with a stunning nine-foot-diameter Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds. Head gardener Erik Pauze, who has been searching for the perfect Christmas trees for over 30 years, remarked that he knew the Russ family tree was “perfect” as soon as he saw a photograph of it.
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree spans 92 years and contributes to the spirit of giving during the holiday season. After the festivities conclude, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be milled into beams to help construct homes across the country, often in the state from which the tree originated.
The press release emphasized that for the Russ family, Erik Pauze, and the millions of visitors who gather at Rockefeller Center, this year’s tree serves as a potent reminder that “love, light, and community can grow from the roots of family and history.” The switching on of the 50,000 LED lights during the official lighting ceremony will not only mark the commencement of another holiday season in New York but will also celebrate the enduring spirit of the city and its residents who contribute to its vibrancy year after year.
