Rockefeller Center's 2026 Christmas Tree in Midtown, NYC: A 76-Foot Spruce From West Edmeston

Rockefeller Center announced its 2026 Christmas tree on October 26. This year's pick is a Norway spruce from West Edmeston, in Chenango County, New York. It stands 76 feet tall and 50 feet wide, and is estimated to weigh 11 tons. The tree is roughly 75 years old and was donated by Rebecca Decker, according to 6sqft.

The tree will be cut down on Thursday, November 5, and trucked into Manhattan on Saturday, November 7. Once it arrives, it will be strung with more than 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights and topped with the Swarovski star. The star was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018 and weighs about 900 pounds. The lighting takes place on Wednesday, December 2, during the live "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" broadcast.

Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center's head gardener, found the tree, as he has for more than 30 years. 6sqft reports that the trees he selects are typically near their maximum height and often too big for the property they grow on. Most are Norway spruce, which grows large and has sturdy branches that can carry holiday lights.

On November 7, Rockefeller Center hosts Meet the Tree Day to mark the tree's arrival. The official Instagram describes a day of family activities, including photo moments with Top of the Rock, Care Bears giveaways and holiday workshops. 6sqft adds that the workshop is presented by Care Bears and FAO Schwarz, with meet-and-greets featuring six Care Bears characters, plus arts and crafts.

The tree stays on display through January 9, 2027. After the season, it will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity.

(Details are drawn from points that agree across reports by Gothamist, ABC News, 6sqft.)