This year’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has made its journey to New York City, courtesy of a heartfelt donation from a family wishing to honor a cherished relative.
The towering 80-foot Norway spruce was carefully transported from the residence of Judy Russ in East Greenbush, Rensselaer County, to its new home in Midtown Manhattan over the weekend.
For Judy and her seven-year-old son, Liam, this occasion is a tribute to the memory of Dan Russ—Judy’s husband and Liam’s father—who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 32 in 2020.
This particular tree is steeped in family heritage, having been planted by Dan Russ’ great-grandparents approximately 75 years ago on their farm. Over the years, it became a beloved playground for young Liam.
“My husband would have cherished witnessing this event,” Judy Russ shared with NBC on TODAY. “We often dreamed about it becoming the [Rockefeller Center] tree. It’s incredibly special for our family’s tree to be celebrated as America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.”
The inspiration to offer their magnificent spruce came to Judy during a visit to Rockefeller Center the previous year.
A family friend helped connect her to the organizers, and head gardener Erik Pauze confirmed the selection.
The tree will be adorned with more than 50,000 lights and a Swarovski star.
The Russ family’s 80-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, arrives at Rockefeller Center to become this year’s iconic Christmas tree
Crews transport the massive 12-ton Rockefeller Center Christmas tree through Midtown Manhattan
Judy Russ and her son Liam donated the tree in memory of her late husband, Dan Russ, fulfilling a family dream
The official lighting ceremony takes place on December 3, which Judy said will be an emotional moment for her because it serves as a kind of memorial for her husband and her father-in-law.
‘Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree is lit, so I’m probably going to be inconsolable that day, but it’s going to be great,’ Judy said.
Judy said she plans to dedicate every light to Dan’s memory, sharing a message of hope and love: ‘Spread joy, spread cheer, love one another. Think of our family, think of my husband, think of us. We’re just so happy to share it.’
It’s not clear how Dan died.
Last year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree similarly honored the family who donated it.
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a 74-foot Norway spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, served as a tribute to Leslie Albert, donated by her husband, Earl Albert, following her passing.
Earl and Leslie planted the tree as newlyweds in 1967. It grew into a beloved family landmark before Rockefeller Center’s head gardener spotted it in 2020, just two days after Leslie passed away.
The donation became a way for the family to honor her memory, mark a ‘new beginning,’ and share their story – and their cherished tree – with the world.
Dan Russ, Judy’s husband and Liam’s father, tragically died at their home in 2020 at age 32
Seven-year-old, Liam, and Judy with the tree at their home before it was cut down
Last year’s tree is seen lit up in all its glory as ice skater marvel at its decorations
The tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree began in 1931
The Rockefeller Center Tree’s true significance lies in its humble beginning.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, struggling immigrant workers pooled funds to buy a simple 20-foot balsam, decorated with cranberries and paper, creating a low-cost symbol of hope that launched the tradition.
Today, the selection is a year-round mission, with the head gardener meticulously scouting for a full, symmetrical Norway Spruce that is typically 75 feet tall.
Once a family donates the chosen tree, it is carefully cut, secured by a crane, and makes a significant logistical journey to Midtown via a custom trailer.
Finally, the tree’s legacy continues: after the holidays, its lumber is milled and donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes.
