Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Rockefeller Centre Welcomes Annual Christmas Tree With Heartwarming History
A giant Christmas tree has arrived in New York City's Rockefeller Centre.
This year's tree is a tall spruce from a family's backyard in upstate New York.
It's special because the family donated it to remember their dad, who always wished this tree could be the Rockefeller tree.
He planted it many years ago with his great-grandparents.
People gathered to see the big tree arrive, even though it was a bit cold.
The tradition started a very long time ago during a tough time to bring happiness to people.
This tree will soon be covered in thousands of shiny lights and will officially start the holiday season.
It represents hope and the spirit of Christmas for everyone.
The 75-foot-tall, 11-ton, 45-foot-wide Norway spruce for Rockefeller Centre has arrived in New York City.
This year's tree was donated by the Russ family from East Greenbush, upstate New York, where it grew for approximately 75 years.
The tree was planted by Dan Russ's great-grandparents about 75 years ago and is donated in memory of him.
The tradition began in 1931 during the Great Depression with a smaller tree decorated by construction workers.
The tree will be lit with over 50,000 lights during a ceremony on December 3rd, symbolizing hope and the start of the holiday season.
- Who
- The Russ family, particularly Judy Russ and in memory of her late husband Dan.
- What
- The annual 75-foot Christmas tree for Rockefeller Centre has arrived and been welcomed by crowds.
- When
- Recently, with the lighting ceremony scheduled for December 3.
- Where
- Rockefeller Centre, New York City.
- Why
- To symbolize hope, festive spirit, and community, and to honor the memory of Judy Russ's late husband, Dan, whose family planted the tree 75 years ago.
The Donation and Its Meaning
The Significance of the Tree
Family Honor
The Donation and Its Meaning
Judy Russ donated the tree in memory of her late husband, Dan, fulfilling his and his great-grandparents' legacy, as the tree was planted by them 75 years ago.
The Significance of the Tree
The tree, donated by the Russ family, symbolizes hope, festive spirit, and community, marking the beginning of Christmas celebrations.
- Tree Type
- Norway Spruce
- Tree Height
- 75-foot
- Tree Width
- 45 feet
- Tree Weight
- 11 tons
- Origin Location
- East Greenbush, Upstate New York
- Donated by
- The Russ family (Judy Russ)
- In Honor Of
- Dan Russ (late husband)
- Lighting Ceremony Date
- December 3
- Number of Lights
- Over 50,000
- Tradition Start Year
- 1931
