EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. – There was a lot of excitement in the community of East Greenbush on Thursday, as a tree bound for Rockefeller Center was cut down to head to the Big Apple.

The Norway Spruce came from the home of the Russ family.

Judy Russ said she grew up in the city, so this is very exciting. Most of the trees on the property are old. The home has been in the family for five generations.

“This is so important to us. I am so excited that my family’s Christmas tree, gets to be the city’s Christmas tree, if not the world’s Christmas tree. This is for everyone. So come and see it, enjoy it. Come see it light up. It’s going to be great,” she said.

Russ said the selection came about because her best friend’s dad worked for Rockefeller Center for years. They sent the picture of the tree to them, and they loved it.

It is due to arrive in New York City on Saturday. Then, it will be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star.

Before it leaves for New York City, it made a stop at Genet Elementary School, where her son goes to school.

The tree will be lit during the live broadcast of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on Wednesday, Dec. 3 on NBC NewsChannel 13. It will remain up through mid-January 2026. When it is done with its moment in the spotlight, the tree will be milled and the lumber donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Russ said it will feel odd without the tree in the yard, because it was such a large part of their landscape.

“Thankfully Rock Center replaces it, which is really kind, and a local farm – 43 Farms – is also going to plant an additional tree.”

So, they can start new memories. These new trees will be small enough that her son can decorate them.

For Related Stories: Link In Bio  Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree  East Greenbush  Christmas