EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. — The Norway spruce destined to illuminate Rockefeller Center this holiday season has commenced its journey to New York City. Standing an impressive 75 feet (23 meters) tall and weighing 11 tons, the tree was felled on Thursday morning in East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany, located approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Manhattan.
The massive tree has been loaded onto a 100-foot-long (31-meter) trailer, capturing the attention of numerous onlookers and local residents during the event. It is scheduled to arrive at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, where it will take pride of place in front of the famed Art Deco skyscraper, overlooking the well-known ice skating rink.
Once installed, the tree will be draped with more than 50,000 energy-efficient multicolored LED lights and topped with a stunning 900-pound Swarovski star. The ceremonial lighting of the tree will take place on December 3 during a live television broadcast hosted by country music star Reba McEntire. The tree will remain on display through mid-January and will subsequently be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity's affordable housing initiatives.
The tree was graciously donated by Judy Russ, a local homeowner, whose family planted the tree back in the 1920s. Russ expressed her wonder at the journey of the tree, stating, “For this to now become the center of New York City Christmas is incredible.”
This beloved tradition dates back to 1931 when the first tree was erected at Rockefeller Center as a way to uplift spirits during the Great Depression. The initial tree was a modest 20-foot (6-meter) balsam fir decorated with handmade garlands created by the workers' families. The first official tree lighting ceremony took place in 1933, solidifying the annual event as a hallmark of the holiday season.
