The Department of Public Works (DPW) has selected the 2025 Christmas tree for the Downtown Holiday display. This year, the tree was donated by Diane and Eben Huston of 22 Skyline Drive. The Hustons have lived on this property for over 30 years. The tree was planted in 2003 and was given to Diane by her brother, who passed away in 2004.

Miss Huston said the tree is very sentimental to her; for years, she decorated it during the Christmas holiday in memory of her brother. In recent years, the tree has become too tall for her to decorate, and she is pleased to donate it to the City of Rochester for all to enjoy this holiday season.

The Department of Public Works thanks Diane and Eben Huston for their generous donation and looks forward to making the tree part of the Downtown Holiday display. The tree is a beautiful white spruce that stands approximately 20 feet tall.

On November 12, the Save a Tree Company of Rochester donated their time and staff, including Randy Politte, AJ McKee, and Jake Davis. Ken Henderson led his DPW team of Paul Michaud, Joe Sanborn, Josh Roseberry, Jon Gilbert, Scott Richey, and Ryan Heriot. Both teams coordinated to remove the tree and erect it downtown.

DPW staff will work throughout the month of November to install downtown lights and decorations for the holiday season. The City of Rochester and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will kick off the festivities with the Christmas Tree Lighting event on December 5, followed by the Holiday Parade on December 7, 2025.

This year’s decorations will be made by students from the Monarch School and Rochester Elementary Schools. Monarch School students will also assist DPW staff in trimming the tree during the week of November 17.