76-Foot Spruce Travels to Rockefeller Center for 2026 Lighting
Rockefeller Center is transporting a 76-foot Norway spruce from West Edmeston, New York, for its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 2.
A 76-foot Norway spruce weighing approximately 11 tons began its journey from West Edmeston, New York, to Manhattan on November 5, 2026. The tree was donated by property owner Rebecca Decker, who chose to give the spruce to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Carl Camenga, the man who planted the tree in 1970. The specimen was originally identified for future use by Erik Pauzé, the head gardener and tree scout for Rockefeller Center.
The transport, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and supported by the New York State Police, Chenango County Sheriff's Office, and New Berlin Police, faced a brief delay on November 6. The transport trailer suffered a flat tire on Route 8 in Sidney, creating a temporary roadside attraction for drivers before crews replaced the tire and resumed the 200-mile trip.
The tree is scheduled to arrive at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 7, for a meet the tree day celebration. Once installed, it will be decorated with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star and over 50,000 LED lights. The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 2 at 7 p.m. After the holiday season, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity for home construction.
