The holiday season has officially begun in New York City. Early this morning, the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree made its grand arrival in Midtown Manhattan — a towering symbol of joy, hope, and holiday magic that draws millions of visitors each year.
This year’s tree is a showstopper: a 75-foot-tall, 45-foot-wide Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, about 150 miles north of Manhattan. It’s one foot taller than last year’s, and it already looks destined to be one of the most dazzling ever.
Escorted by NYPD vehicles through the streets of the city, the tree’s journey from upstate New York was greeted with cheers and applause from onlookers who lined the route. The spruce was donated by the Russ family, lifelong fans of the Rockefeller tradition who had long suspected their tree might one day stand in the heart of New York.
As cranes carefully lifted the massive spruce into position at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the crowd erupted into applause — a spontaneous celebration marking the unofficial start of the holiday season.
When it’s fully decorated, the tree will sparkle with around 50,000 multicolored LED lights and be crowned by the dazzling Swarovski star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The official lighting ceremony will take place on December 3, complete with live performances and televised coverage, continuing one of the city’s most beloved traditions.
For locals and visitors alike, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is more than just a decoration — it’s a beacon of togetherness, resilience, and holiday spirit. Its arrival transforms the city overnight, filling New York’s cold streets with warmth, nostalgia, and excitement.
As one onlooker put it while snapping photos this morning:
“Once the tree’s here, it feels like Christmas has truly arrived.”
And with that, the most magical season in New York has officially begun.
