Rockefeller Center’s 2025 Christmas Tree arrives in NYC - here's the tradition and history behind it

New York City is officially stepping into the holiday season. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has made its grand arrival, marking the start of one of the most cherished winter traditions in the world. From a quiet suburban journey to towering proudly in Midtown, the beloved Norway Spruce is ready to shine once again.

The towering 75-foot Norway Spruce made a roughly 150-mile trip from East Greenbush, just outside Albany, before settling in at its famous home between West 49th and 50th streets in Midtown, as per a report by CBS News.

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Weighing about 11 tons, the massive tree was cut down Thursday and transported to its new home, where crews will spend hours securing it upright at 30 Rockefeller Center. Soon, it will be transformed from a raw evergreen into a glittering holiday landmark, wrapped in more than 50,000 lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski crystal star.

Where did this year's Rockefeller tree come from?

This year’s spruce came from East Greenbush, New York, continuing the long tradition of selecting trees from across the Northeast. The tradition rotates locations, in 2024, the tree came from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, marking the first pick from that state since 1959. Last year’s tree measured about 74 feet and was roughly 70 years old, showing just how special each selection is, as per a report by CBS News.

When is the lighting ceremony happening?

The world-famous lighting ceremony is set for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the broadcast of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.” As the official site notes, “After being wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star, the tree will be lit…The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be on display until mid-January 2026.”

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That Swarovski star, designed by Daniel Libeskind, weighs roughly 900 pounds, features 70 spikes, and sparkles with three million crystals as per a report by CBS News.

What's the history behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?

The roots of this annual treasure stretch back to 1931, when workers building Rockefeller Center pooled their money to put up a tree decorated by their families. In 1933, the first formal tree-lighting ceremony took place, with 700 lights illuminating the display. Over the decades, the celebration has seen notable firsts: two 70-foot trees in 1936, three patriotic trees in 1942, and a silver-painted tree in 1949.

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The tree was first shown on national television in 1951, and in 1966, Canada donated the first tree sourced from outside the U.S. The tallest tree in history arrived in 1999, reaching 100 feet. In 2004, the Swarovski star made its debut, and in 2007 the lighting switched to energy-efficient LEDs, reducing power use dramatically.

What happens after the season ends?

When the lights go dark in January, the iconic tree continues to give back. Organizers reaffirm that “after the season, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.” It’s a fitting ending for a symbol that brings millions together each winter as per a report by CBS News.

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With decades of history, dazzling lights, and deep tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree remains one of the most beloved holiday symbols in the world and for New Yorkers and visitors alike, its arrival marks the true start of Christmas in the city.

FAQs

When will the 2025 Rockefeller Center tree be lit?
The tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

What happens to the tree after the holidays?
It will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.