The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has officially been selected—and it’s a showstopper. This year’s festive icon is a 75-foot (23-meter) Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, donated by the Russ family.
Chosen by Rockefeller Center’s head gardener Erik Pauze, the tree will arrive in Manhattan on November 8, adorned with 50,000 multicolored LED lights and crowned with a dazzling 900-pound (408-kg) Swarovski star featuring three million crystals. The lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition since 1933, will air live on NBC this coming December 3 at 8 pm EST.
Beyond its grandeur, the tree carries a legacy nearly a century old, first appearing in 1931 thanks to construction workers who sparked a holiday tradition. After its display through mid-January, the spruce will be repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
As the Rockefeller tree takes its place in the heart of Manhattan, New York City transforms into a glittering playground of winter wonder. From festive markets to ice-skating beneath the skyline, the season brings a cascade of celebrations that make the city shine brighter than ever.
Tap into this gallery to unwrap your own bit of NYC Xmas spirit.