where did the rockefeller tree come from 2025

The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree originated from East Greenbush in Rensselaer County, New York, just outside Albany.

Tree's Backyard Roots

This 75-foot Norway spruce had grown in the backyard of Judy Russ and her family for an estimated 75 years. Judy, aged 37, donated the tree in honor of her late husband, Dan Russ, turning a personal family landmark into a symbol of remembrance amid the holiday spectacle.

Journey to Rockefeller Center

The tree was cut and transported starting around early November 2025, as captured in footage of its departure, involving careful wrapping, lifting, and scanning processes before heading to Midtown Manhattan. It arrived slightly travel-worn but was unveiled in full glory on December 2, 2025, adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star.

Emotional Family Story

• Personal Tribute : Judy Russ shared the bittersweet moment, with the donation supporting local causes like sweatshirt proceeds for family initiatives.

• Community Impact : Media highlighted the "touching story," emphasizing how the tree's history resonated during its lighting, blending private loss with public joy.

• Historical Parallel : Like past trees (e.g., 2020's from Oneonta, NY), this one carried a narrative of resilience, echoing the tradition's Depression-era origins in 1931.

Tradition Context

Norway spruces dominate selections for their height and shape, a staple since the first 20-foot balsam fir raised by workers. This year's choice stood out for its family legacy, making it a heartfelt centerpiece through early January 2026.

"There's a beautiful story behind the 2025 Rockefeller Center tree that's being lit."

TL;DR : Sourced from Judy Russ's backyard in East Greenbush, NY, as a tribute to her late husband—lit December 2025.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.