Rockefeller Center Welcomes Majestic 2025 Christmas Tree

Quick Smiles:

• The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a 75-foot Norway spruce from upstate New York.
• The Russ family, who donated the tree, fulfilled a cherished dream by seeing it chosen for this honor.
• The iconic tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 3, uniting people in celebration.

Excitement filled New York City as crowds watched the towering Norway spruce journey to Rockefeller Center, marking the arrival of the 2025 Christmas tree. The impressive tree measures 75 feet tall, spans 45 feet in diameter, and weighs 11 tons.

This year’s tree comes from the Russ family in East Greenbush, who have long hoped their tree would one day shine in Manhattan.

“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect,” said Rockefeller Center’s head gardener Erik Pauze.

For Judy Russ, who grew up in New York City, having the family’s tree selected was deeply meaningful.

“I think I just hallucinated, like, ‘We need to go back because there’s no way this is real, right?’” she shared.

The moment was bittersweet for Judy, whose husband Dan passed away in 2020, leaving behind the dream of their tree in Rockefeller Center.

“I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment,” Judy said. “We always talked about it being the (Rockefeller Center) tree. It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.”

Judy and her son Liam look forward to attending the official lighting ceremony on December 3, when the city and viewers at home can celebrate together.

“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,” Judy added.

Let your spirits lift as New York welcomes the season with this extraordinary Christmas tree and the joy it brings to so many.

Source