2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives in NYC
The holiday season has officially arrived in New York City as the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree makes its highly anticipated debut in Midtown Manhattan. The towering Norway spruce traveled approximately 200 miles from West Edmeston, New York, to Rockefeller Plaza, marking the beginning of one of the city’s most recognizable holiday traditions.
The 76-foot-tall tree arrived on Saturday, November 7, drawing crowds of spectators who gathered to watch the massive evergreen make its way into Rockefeller Center. Weighing approximately 11 tons and estimated to be 75 years old, this year’s tree will soon become the centerpiece of the city’s holiday celebrations.
2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Comes From Upstate New York
This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was donated by Rebecca Decker, whose property in West Edmeston, New York, was home to the towering Norway spruce. Rockefeller Center head gardener Erik Pauzé first spotted the tree approximately six years ago while searching for the perfect evergreen to represent the holiday season. However, it was not until earlier this year that he approached Decker about potentially donating the tree.
The tree was cut down on Thursday, November 5, before a crane lifted it onto a flatbed trailer for its journey to Manhattan. After traveling approximately 200 miles, it arrived at Rockefeller Center and was carefully raised into position overlooking the famous ice-skating rink.
The arrival also continued the tradition of involving the donating family in the installation. Decker’s family helped drive a spike into the tree’s trunk using a sledgehammer, an annual tradition marking the beginning of its new role in New York City.
More Than 50,000 Lights and a Swarovski Star
Although the tree has officially arrived, its transformation into a holiday landmark is just beginning. Crews will surround the Norway spruce with scaffolding as they prepare to decorate its branches with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights. Approximately five miles of electrical wire will be used to illuminate the massive tree.
At the top will sit the iconic Swarovski crystal star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The star weighs approximately 900 pounds, measures more than nine feet in diameter and features approximately three million crystals across its 70 points. Once the decorations are complete, the tree will be ready for its first official illumination during the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
When Is the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting?
The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The celebration will be broadcast during NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special and will also stream on Peacock.
The lighting ceremony traditionally features celebrity appearances, musical performances and the moment millions of viewers wait for each year: the first illumination of the Christmas tree. Rockefeller Center has not yet announced the complete entertainment lineup for the 2026 ceremony. Visitors can also see the tree in person at Rockefeller Plaza, where public viewing is free.
A Holiday Tradition Dating Back to 1931
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been an important part of New York City’s holiday celebrations for nearly a century. The tradition began in 1931, when construction workers building Rockefeller Center pooled their money to purchase a Christmas tree. The workers decorated the approximately 20-foot balsam fir with handmade garlands, creating a holiday gathering during the construction of the complex.
The first official tree-lighting ceremony followed in 1933, establishing a tradition that has since become an internationally recognized symbol of the holiday season. Today, millions of visitors travel to Rockefeller Center each year to see the illuminated tree, take photographs and experience the surrounding holiday attractions.
What Happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree After Christmas?
The tree’s contribution to the holiday season does not end when the decorations come down. Following the 2026 holiday season, the Norway spruce will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit uses donated building materials to support home construction and housing projects.
Rockefeller Center has continued this charitable tradition since 2007, giving each year’s Christmas tree a second purpose beyond its time in Manhattan. The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is expected to remain on display through January 9, 2027, giving New Yorkers and visitors several weeks to experience one of the city’s most famous holiday attractions. With its arrival from West Edmeston, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun in New York City.
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