The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stopped in front of Genet Elementary School on Thursday.
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree officially began its 130-mile journey to New York City on Thursday afternoon, making a special celebratory stop in front of Genet Elementary School. Students, teachers, and staff gathered on the front lawn of Genet to cheer on the majestic 75-foot Norway Spruce as it passed through the town that has been its home for more than 60 years.
The tree, which was donated by the Russ family on Old Red Mill Road, was carefully loaded onto a flatbed truck and then driven down Route 4 in front of Genet where children and adults alike waved and jingled bells.
An Exciting Week in East Greenbush
The excitement at Genet Elementary has been building all week. While workers have been preparing the tree to come down, Rockefeller Center Head Gardener Erik Pauze took time to visit the classroom of 2nd Grader Liam Russ to talk about the history and tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Mr. Pauze, who has personally selected the tree for the last three decades, showed photos and answered student questions.
A Special Field Trip
On Thursday morning, Liam’s class took a field trip by school bus to watch workers carefully cut the tree down and use a crane to lay it onto a flatbed truck. They were accompanied by Liam’s teacher Michelle Slater, Genet Principal Wayne Grignon, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The tree is expected to arrive at Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday morning. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. The tree will remain on display until mid-January.
After the season, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
“We are so humbled and honored by the community’s response to the tree cutting,” said Liam’s mom Judy Russ. “Sharing it with the town and the students of Genet will always be such a special part of this incredible journey.”
Special thanks to the Genet teachers and staff, the Genet PTO, the East Greenbush CSD Transportation Department, the East Greenbush Police Department, Market 32, the team from Rockefeller Center, and the Russ Family!
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