What's happened
A 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, NY, will be the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this year. It will be cut on Nov. 6, transported to NYC, decorated with 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star, and illuminated on Dec. 3. The tree has been donated by the Russ family and will be recycled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity after the season.
What's behind the headline?
The selection of this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree underscores the ongoing tradition of regional community participation in a nationally celebrated event. The choice of a Norway spruce from upstate New York highlights the importance of local sourcing and environmental sustainability, as the tree will be recycled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity. The detailed process, including the care taken by Rockefeller Center's gardener, reflects a commitment to quality and tradition. This story also demonstrates how cultural symbols like the Christmas Tree serve to reinforce regional identity and community bonds, especially during the holiday season. The timing of the event, with the tree being cut in early November and illuminated in December, aligns with the holiday calendar, ensuring maximum public engagement and media coverage.
What the papers say
The articles from The Independent, AP News, and NY Post all confirm the key details: the tree's origin in East Greenbush, its height of 75 feet, the donation by the Russ family, and the timeline for cutting, transporting, decorating, and lighting. The NY Post provides additional context about the tree's history and the selection process, emphasizing the tradition's regional roots and the gardener Erik Pauze's role. While all sources agree on the core facts, the NY Post offers a richer narrative about the family's connection to the tree and the history of the tradition, which adds depth to the story. The AP News and The Independent focus more on the logistical details and the environmental aspect of recycling the tree into lumber. Overall, the sources complement each other, providing a comprehensive picture of this annual holiday event.
How we got here
The tradition of selecting a Christmas tree for Rockefeller Center dates back to 1931. Each year, a different American tree is chosen, often Norway spruces, from across the country. The current process involves a careful search by Rockefeller Center's head gardener, Erik Pauze, who selects a tree that is both visually striking and suitable for the iconic display. This year's tree was found on a farm in upstate New York, continuing the tradition of regional selection and community involvement.
Go deeper
Common question
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Where Does the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Come From This Year?
Every holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree becomes a symbol of festive cheer and community spirit. But where does this iconic tree originate from each year? How is it decorated, and what happens to it after the holidays? In this page, we’ll explore the journey of this beloved tradition, from its regional roots to its eco-friendly recycling. Plus, learn how communities participate in holiday traditions that bring people together across the country.
More on these topics
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East Greenbush is a town in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. It is a suburb of Albany. The population was 16,748 at the 2020 census.