AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 7, 2026
76-Foot Norway Spruce Makes Its Journey to Manhattan
The famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has arrived in Midtown Manhattan, marking the official start of the 2026 holiday season in New York City. The towering 76-foot Norway spruce traveled from West Edmeston, New York, under a police escort, reaching its destination on Friday night.
Tree Details and Origins
This year’s tree was cut down earlier in the week in Madison County, within the upstate community of West Edmeston, located roughly 70 miles southeast of Syracuse. The Norway spruce stands at an impressive 76 feet tall, weighs approximately 11 tons, and boasts a width of about 50 feet.
Preparations Underway at Rockefeller Center
Now settled at its iconic location, the spruce is being prepared for its annual role as the centerpiece of the Rockefeller Center holiday festivities. The tree will be decorated with more than 50,000 energy-efficient LED Christmas lights and adorned with the signature Swarovski star topper, a highlight of the Manhattan holiday tradition.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Scheduled for December 2
The official Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is set for December 2. This annual event draws crowds to Midtown Manhattan and kicks off the holiday season for both locals and visitors alike. Once illuminated, the tree will remain on display through mid-January, offering a festive attraction during the winter months.
Continuing a Tradition of Giving
After the display period concludes, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity. This long-standing Rockefeller Center tradition ensures that the holiday symbol continues to make a positive impact well beyond the season, providing materials for building homes in partnership with the nonprofit organization.
Source: abc7ny.com.
