It’s never too early to get into the festive spirit. As thoughts begin drifting toward egg-nog sipping, gift wrapping, and carols ringing through city streets, the big news this year is that the iconic 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is coming from a surprisingly charming small upstate town.
New York’s most famous holiday tree is set to make its journey into Manhattan on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, and we’re privy to all the jolly details.
2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center has officially revealed that the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will come from East Greenbush, NY.
Donated by the Russ family, the majestic Norway Spruce will be cut on Thursday, November 6th and arrive at Rockefeller Center two days later on Saturday, November 8th.
After being adorned with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights and topped with the iconic 9-foot, 900-pound Swarovski star, it will take center stage as part of the live broadcast of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025.
The tree will stay on display through mid-January 2026. When the season ends, it’ll be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
(We’re already curious to see if this year’s tree will eclipse the tallest tree previously displayed at Rockefeller — the one back in 1999 that topped out at the length of nine subway cars!)
Why East Greenbush?
East Greenbush is a town in Rensselaer County, just outside Albany, with a population of roughly 16,600, a charming small-town feel, and friendly locals.
The name “Greenbush” traces back to Dutch settlers: het groen bosch, meaning “the green woods” or “pine woods”–fitting considering this area was once densely covered in pine and fir forests and the natural beauty remains a point of local pride.
East Greenbush’s history goes deep: settlements date back to circa 1630, under the patroonship of Kiliaen van Rensselaer, part of the Dutch colonial system that shaped much of this region.
It was formally established as a town in 1855 (initially called “Clinton”), then renamed East Greenbush in 1858.
Today, while East Greenbush has suburban stretches (being near the Capital Region), it still retains pockets of rolling hills, woodlands, and that “small-town upstate” vibe.
What makes the town special
- Friendly, local-first business scene: many mom-and-pop shops, cozy restaurants, and neighborhood-style hang-outs give the place character
- Natural beauty year-round: from riverside bluffs along the Hudson to forested uplands and nearby hiking trails — ideal for fall foliage or a quieter escape from the city
- A community that blends history and growth: the town honors its colonial and agricultural roots (for example, the historic Craver Farmstead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is here)
In short: A modest-sized upstate town with a name rooted in pine woods is now stepping into the national holiday spotlight.
Hidden Gems in East Greenbush
- 🌾 Craver Farmstead: a historic 1790-era farm – think: old barns, fields once dotted with apple and pear trees, and a history that predates many of the surrounding suburban developments
- 🌳 Papscanee Island Nature Preserve: spans marshland and river views along the Hudson — a lovely contrast to Manhattan’s bustle, and an image of calm in the lead-up to the holiday hustle
- 🐟 Gene’s Fish Fry: this locally-loved eatery is rich in neighborhood character (open seasonally)
- 🚲 Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail: a multi-use trail that offers scenic access right from East Greenbush
- 🏠 John Carner Jr. House: a lesser-known historic home built in 1800, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
How to make the most of this year’s tree at Rockefeller
Since the tree arrives on November 8th and will light up on December 3rd, this gives visitors several weeks to plan, anticipate, and show up. In preparation of this year’s festivities, here are some tips on the best time to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree:
- Aim for late afternoon (just before dusk) to catch the tree in the golden hour — it often photographs best then
- Consider visiting on a weekday where possible, as crowds tend to swell in the evenings and on weekends
- Arrive early (or stay late) to walk the surrounding plaza and enjoy the window displays, ice-skating rink, and seasonal glow