The holiday season has officially begun—the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in Manhattan for Meet the Tree Day, marking the start of one of the city’s most beloved traditions.

This year’s 75-foot Norway spruce traveled roughly 150 miles from East Greenbush, New York, on a flatbed truck before being hoisted into place by cranes at Rockefeller Center. Weighing 11 tons, the tree was donated by the Russ family, who have lived on the property where it stood for more than six decades. Donor Judy Russ says the family is proud to share their tree with the world in memory of her late husband—a story that has quickly become the heart of this year’s celebration.

In the coming weeks, the spruce will be adorned with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a dazzling 900-pound Swarovski star designed by Daniel Libeskind. When the lights are switched on during the official Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3, the spectacle will illuminate Midtown with nearly five miles of wire—a breathtaking display that captures the spirit of the season.

Each year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree becomes a gathering place for millions of visitors from around the world, symbolizing hope, joy, and togetherness. The tradition dates back to 1931, when construction workers at Rockefeller Center erected the first Christmas tree, with the official lighting ceremony beginning in 1933.

If you’re visiting the tree this season, you can capture the moment with The Official Christmas Tree Photo, which offers professional photos for you and up to ten guests from an exclusive spot on The Rink steps. For an even closer look, visitors can book the VIP Rock Pass: Holiday Edition, offering exclusive access from Center Plaza, along with a guided tour of hidden rooftop gardens, a Champagne toast, and VIP access to Top of the Rock.

After the holiday season concludes, the tree’s journey continues: the lumber from the Norway spruce will be milled and donated to Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes and memories far beyond New York City.

With its glowing lights, storied roots, and a star that shines brighter each year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree once again reminds us that the holiday spirit begins right here in the heart of New York.