A TREE OF MEMORIES
A Family Story Behind New York's Holiday Tradition
From a quiet backyard in Upstate New York to the heart of Manhattan, a 75-year-old spruce brings a remarkable family story to Rockefeller Center.
November 9, 2026 | Turkish Life Magazine
The true magic of Christmas lives not in the lights or decorations, but in the memories we share, the traditions we pass from one generation to the next, and the simple moments that bring us together. Some of the most beautiful gifts are the stories we leave behind.
New York City’s holiday season has officially begun with the arrival of the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a magnificent 76-foot Norway spruce that traveled nearly 200 miles from West Edmeston, New York, to Manhattan on Saturday, November 7. Standing 76 feet tall, measuring approximately 50 feet wide and weighing 11 tons, the tree is estimated to be 75 years old. But behind its impressive size lies a touching story of family, memories and generosity.
A Tree with a Family History
The tree was donated by Rebecca Decker, who has owned the property in West Edmeston for the past five years. Its story, however, began decades earlier. In the early 1970s, Carl Camenga planted the spruce alongside his son Wade, near the family home he had built. Over the following decades, the tree grew into a towering landmark. Carl passed away on Christmas Day ten years ago, giving this year’s selection an especially emotional significance for his family. When Rockefeller Center approached Rebecca Decker about donating the tree, she had no idea of its remarkable history. After agreeing, she learned the story from the Camenga family. What began as a tree planted by a father and son has now become part of one of New York City’s most celebrated holiday traditions. The tree was donated rather than sold, continuing Rockefeller Center’s tradition of receiving trees from private property owners.
More Than 50,000 Lights and a Spectacular Star
Over the coming weeks, the giant spruce will be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights, connected by approximately five miles of electrical wiring. At the very top will sit the famous Swarovski crystal star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. Weighing approximately 900 pounds, the spectacular star features 70 points and around three million crystals.
December 2: The Big Night
The official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 7 PM to 10 PM. The celebration will be televised nationally as part of NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. The evening traditionally features performances by well-known musicians and entertainers, bringing thousands of visitors to Midtown Manhattan. As of November 9, NBC has not yet announced the official lineup of performers or hosts for the 2026 ceremony. Following the lighting, the tree will remain on display through January 9, 2027.
A New York Tradition Since 1931
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition began in 1931, during the Great Depression, when construction workers building Rockefeller Center erected a modest Christmas tree decorated with handmade garlands. The first official Tree Lighting Ceremony followed in 1933, establishing a holiday tradition that would eventually become one of New York City’s most recognizable seasonal celebrations. Over the decades, the tree has grown from a simple gesture of holiday spirit into an international symbol of Christmas in New York.
A Second Life After Christmas
When the holiday season comes to an end, the tree’s journey will continue. Its wood will be processed into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that helps build and improve homes for families in need. Since 2007, Rockefeller Center has continued this tradition of giving its Christmas trees a second purpose. For the Camenga and Decker families, this year’s tree represents something more than a holiday decoration. A spruce planted by a father and son decades ago will now illuminate the heart of Manhattan, carrying their family story into the memories of millions of visitors.
2026 © Turkish Life Magazine | New York