Where Does the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Come From?
The Tree’s Most Common Origins
While the tree can technically come from anywhere in the country, the Rockefeller Center team usually selects one from states known for tall, healthy evergreens.
The most common locations include:
🎄 New York
🎄 Pennsylvania
🎄 New Jersey
🎄 Connecticut
🎄 Vermont
These regions are full of mature Norway spruces—the species almost always chosen for the Rockefeller Tree.
How the Tree Is Selected
The process is surprisingly personal and unique.
1. The team hunts for it every year
Rockefeller Center’s head gardener and scouting team travel across several states, searching for the perfect tree—usually around 75–90 feet tall.
2. Homeowners can even submit their trees
Many families send photos of their own large spruces, hoping theirs will be chosen.
3. The tree must have the "Rockefeller look"
This means:
• tall and triangular
• lush and full
• structurally strong
• able to support over 50,000 lights and a massive star topper
Not easy to find!
How the Tree Gets to New York City
Once chosen, the tree is carefully cut down—usually with the homeowners present—and transported to NYC.
Depending on the distance, it may travel by:
🚚 flatbed truck
✈️ helicopter (for remote areas)
The moment it arrives at Rockefeller Center, crowds often gather just to watch it be lifted into place.
Bring Some Holiday Magic Into Your Home
Love iconic Christmas traditions? Add a little joy to your own tree with festive ornaments like:
👉 27.5 ft 12 Days of Christmas Vintage LED String Lights – Warm White, UL, Indoor/Outdoor
👉 9' Star Wars™ Death Star Light Set – 10 UL Listed Lights by Kurt Adler
These ornaments add charm, color, and personality—just like the magic of Rockefeller Center.
Final Thoughts
So where does the Rockefeller Christmas Tree come from?
Not from a forest, not from a farm… but from everyday families across the Northeast who grow some of the country's most impressive evergreens.
It’s a tradition rooted in community, generosity, and holiday spirit—one that continues to shine every year.