Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives in Manhattan

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a 23-meter Norway spruce from East Greenbush, was hoisted into place in Manhattan, signaling the start of New York City’s holiday season. Weighing 11 tons, the tree will be adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and a 400 kg Swarovski star, with its lighting ceremony scheduled for December 3. Donated by Judy Russ, whose family planted it in the 1920s, the tree will be on display until mid-January before being repurposed for Habitat for Humanity. This annual tradition began in 1931 during the Great Depression, symbolizing hope and community spirit.

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