The No. 1 Christmas tree in America isn’t technically a tree.
Instead, voters say the best holiday tree in the United States is a three-story, illuminated evergreen crafted from hundreds of empty beer kegs outside of an iconic Upstate New York brewery.
The Genesee Brew House’s Keg Tree has been named America’s top Christmas tree by Newsweek.
The towering keg tree overlooking High Falls Gorge in Rochester outshone the nine other Christmas trees included in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice recent ranking, including the famous Rockefeller Center tree, which earned the No. 5 spot. in the 10-tree list. (The Norway spruce on display this year in New York City happens to boast Upstate New York roots: The 75-foot stunner hails from just outside of Albany.)
The Genesee Brewing Company stacked and illuminated a Christmas tree made out of 400 empty beer kegs at the Genesee Brew House by High Falls in Rochester, New York, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. In 2025, Newsweek named the Keg Tree the No. 1 Christmas tree in America.
Scott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.comScott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.com
The recognition comes just days before the Keg Tree’s 2025 lighting ceremony, which will take place on Friday evening outside the Genesee Brew House, the oldest brewery in New York state.
“The Keg Tree celebration unites the community with live music, local food and seasonal beer releases, all while supporting local charities,” Newsweek wrote in its roundup. “More than a photo op, it’s a symbol of resilience and pride for a city that knows how to work hard and celebrate together.”
The Genesee Brew House’s Keg Tree, run by the makers of Genesee Beer, made its very beery debut in 2013. It quickly became a Western New York tradition, attracting thousands of onlookers.
After pausing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Keg Tree lighting made a comeback in 2022. Ever since, the family-friendly tree-lighting ceremony — which features food trucks and beer samples — has continued to grow.
Last year, the towering Keg Tree was comprised of 650 empty beer kegs and over 25,000 twinkling lights, according to WHEC.
The 2025 Keg Tree lighting event will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. outside the Genesee Brew House at 25 Cataract St. in Rochester. The tree will be lit at 7 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public.
The Genesee Brewing Company stacked and illuminated a Christmas tree made out of 400 empty beer kegs at the Genesee Brew House by High Falls in Rochester, New York, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. In 2025, Newsweek named the Keg Tree the No. 1 Christmas tree in America.
Scott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.comScott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.com
Guests 21 years and older can try beer samples from the brewery, whose most famous brews include Genesee Cream Ale and 12 Horse Ale. Food trucks from Donuts Delite, Wraps on Wheels, Tom’s Travelin’ Coffee, Rob’s Kabobs, Rob’s Al Dente and Rochester Kettle Corn will feed hungry revelers.
Parking will be available in the High Falls Parking Garage at 262 State St., brewery officials said.
For more information about the Genesee Keg Tree lighting, visit the brewery’s website.
Here are the 10 best Christmas trees in America, according to Newsweek:
Keg Tree at Genesee Brew House, Rochester, New YorkCongress Hall, Cape May, New JerseyGalleria Dallas, Dallas, TexasFairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, ArizonaRockefeller Center, New York City, New YorkDallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Dallas, TexasNational Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C.Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaBiltmore Estate, Asheville, North CarolinaFaneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts
The Genesee Brewing Company stacked and illuminated a Christmas tree made out of 400 empty beer kegs at the Genesee Brew House by High Falls in Rochester, New York, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. In 2025, Newsweek named the Keg Tree the No. 1 Christmas tree in America.
Scott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.comScott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.com
The Genesee Brewing Company stacked and illuminated a Christmas tree made out of 400 empty beer kegs at the Genesee Brew House by High Falls in Rochester, New York, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. In 2025, Newsweek named the Keg Tree the No. 1 Christmas tree in America.
Scott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.comScott Schild | sschild@newyorkupstate.com