A 75‑foot Norway spruce that once graced a family yard in East Greenbush, New York, has become the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
From Birdwatching to Holiday Icon
Dan Russ spent mornings birdwatching on his property, looking through the kitchen window on cold days and from the porch on warm days. He watched cardinals, sparrows, and blue jays fly past the 75‑foot Norway spruce that stood beside the home’s garage. The tree was so tall that Dan tried to convince his wife Judy that they should rent a crane to decorate it for Christmas. He even joked that it could be the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Judy Russ recalled, “It just kind of opened up the conversation that this tree is big enough. If we need to rent a crane to decorate it, we have something big here.” The idea sparked a conversation that would eventually lead to the tree’s journey to New York.
The spruce was planted nearly eight decades ago by Dan’s great‑grandparents, Edward and Mattie May Doran. It grew into a family tree, with branches that represented generations living beneath it. Dan’s grandfather was born in the house’s living room, and Dan’s parents and sister were married near the tree. Dan and Judy moved into the home in 2017 and welcomed their son Liam, making him the fifth generation to live under the spruce.
After Dan’s death in 2020 at the age of 32, the family temporarily used an artificial tree. Judy said, “When you’re a parent, you have to do whatever you can to keep the Christmas magic and traditions alive.” Three years later, the family returned to a local tree farm, cut down a new tree, and began a new tradition of decorating together, honoring Dan’s memory.
The tree’s selection as the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree began with a photo. In January, Judy took a picture of the tree covered in snow. Six months later, a friend’s father, a former security supervisor at Rockefeller Center, sent the photo to Erik Pauze, the head gardener. Pauze told NBC New York, “I got a text of a picture from an old buddy of mine who I used to work with at Rockefeller Center. I said, ‘Where’s that?’ and when he told me I said, ‘Wow! I’m pretty close. I’ll be there tomorrow.’”
Pauze’s visit to East Greenbush marked the first time he saw the spruce. He was struck by its size and the family’s history. He found, “It became a perfect tree to be in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza…a tree from a family generational property. So, it’s a good way to remember their family, as well.”
In August, Pauze informed the Russ family that the tree had been selected. Judy said she received the full blessing from Dan’s family to donate the tree. The family’s decision was driven by the desire to share a piece of their heritage with the world.
The cutting of the tree took place in early November. Family, friends, and locals gathered, and a bald eagle flew overhead, adding a sense of guidance. Judy reflected, “It just made us feel like Dan was there. If he was ever going to send some kind of symbol that he was guiding this tree out, giving us his blessing, giving the family’s blessing, it would be a bald eagle.”
After the tree was felled, a crane lowered it onto a flatbed truck for its journey to New York City. The spruce would stand as the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Judy said, “We’re so happy that we get to share a piece of our family with the world.” She added, “He would be equally as happy. He’s so proud of his family, he’s so proud of his property, he’s so proud of our town East Greenbush, that to put this on the world scale would really make his day.”
The family’s visit to Rockefeller Center last month included driving a spike into the tree’s trunk, continuing the annual donor tradition. Judy, Liam, and other family members watched the tree arrive and prepared for the lighting ceremony. Judy said, “This is helping fill a massive hole. It makes it feel like he’s with us again, bringing all of our family together.” Judy also said, “He truly has become one of my son’s best friends.”
After the countdown for the lighting concludes, the tree will shine in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just as Dan once envisioned. Judy added, “I’ll definitely keep an eye out, see what’s flying around. Even a pigeon, I’d be happy.”
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree marks the continuation of a tradition that began in 1931. The Russ family’s story intertwines personal legacy with a city icon, illustrating how a single tree can carry generations across the country.
Key Takeaways
- A 75‑foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, becomes the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
- The tree carries a family legacy spanning nearly eight decades, rooted by Dan Russ’s great‑grandparents.
- The journey from a family yard to New York involved a crane, a bald eagle, and the blessing of the Russ family.
The Russ family’s story reminds us that a single tree can become a bridge between generations and a city’s holiday tradition.
