Rockefeller Center Selects 2026 Christmas Tree, Lighting Ceremony Set for December 2

Rockefeller Center in New York City has selected its Christmas tree for the 2026 holiday season. The Norway spruce will be brought from West Edmeston, New York, marking the start of preparations for one of the city’s most recognized holiday traditions.

Rockefeller Center officials announced the selection on Monday, October 26. The tree is scheduled to be cut down on November 5 and transported to Manhattan on November 7.

Once installed, the tree will be decorated with more than 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights and topped with the iconic Swarovski star.

The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 2. Visitors will be able to view the decorated tree through January 9, 2027.

After the holiday season, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that works to provide housing for people in need.