The annual tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has kicked off! A beautiful 75-foot-tall Norway spruce is headed to midtown Manhattan. When fully leafed-out, this majestic tree weighs an impressive 11 tons. Recently, it was cut down in East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany, NY, some 150 miles north of the city. The Russ family—including Judy’s husband Steve, and their sons Matt and Ben—graciously donated the tree. The reasons for their deep connection to it run even deeper—their tree was actually planted by her husband’s great-grandparents in the 1920s.
Once it gets to New York City, the tree will be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored energy-efficient LED lights. And crowning the top of the tree will be a brilliant Swarovski star. Weighing in at 900 pounds, it’ll bring a new sparkle to the legendary skyline. The 80-foot-tall tree will be on public view at Rockefeller Center through mid-January. This allows hundreds of thousands of visitors to experience its resplendent beauty all through the holiday season.
Save the date and time! The official lighting ceremony for this year’s spectacular tree will be held on December 3, with country music star Reba McEntire hosting this always-incredible event. So join us as we plan for an incredible celebration this year! The ceremony launches the wonderful tradition that began in 1931 by lighting the very first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. That first tree was a 20-foot-tall balsam fir, adorned with handmade garlands created by the families of those workers decorating the evergreens.
When the holiday season is over, we won’t just throw the tree out. First, we want to saw the acquired wood into lumber. Finally, we’ll donate it to Habitat for Humanity, continuing to build its legacy and assisting in the provision of homes for families in need.
Judy Russ was delighted and honored that her family’s tree would be chosen for such high-profile recognition.
“For this to now become the center of New York City Christmas is incredible.” – Judy Russ
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become an iconic symbol of the season in New York City. Every Christmas, it draws in over 10 million visitors who flock to soak up its holiday splendor and bring in the season. Follow this year’s tree on its path to its new home! It comes with a legacy history and cathartic tale of neighbors helping neighbors that has more recently resonated in times of darkness.
