The Hudson Valley Tree Coming for New York City’s Crown

There's a tree shining bright in the Hudson Valley, and it's claiming to be one of the most lavishly-decorated holiday symbols in the entire state.

Each holiday season, all eyes in New York normally turn towards Rockefeller Center. While this year's tree caused its own controversy based on where it was sourced, many assumed it would still be the brightest in the state... maybe not.

Holiday Decorations in the Hudson Valley

While some humble houses are putting up single strands of lights (you can enter a photo of your decorated house here for a shot at $250), one Hudson Valley college has taken things up a notch.

The 2024 Marist Holiday Tree Takes Aim at Rockefeller Center

Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY recently took to social media to brag about their massively-decorated "holiday tree" (below), and made some giant claims as far as how the tree stacks up to its famous neighbor in New York City.

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Is the Marist Holiday Tree the Brightest in New York State?

The Marist Holiday Tree boasts 77,000 lights, nearly 30,000 more lights than the world-renowned tree at Rockefeller Center. While 77,000 lights is very impressive (and very bright), it still can't hold a candle to the world record...

The Guinness Record for Most Lights on a Tree

According to the Guinness Book of World Records (which has awarded several local Hudson Valley records), the record for the most lights on an artificial tree is held by Universal Studios Japan with a whopping 621,000 lights (below).

@guinnessworldrecords Most lights on an artificial Christmas tree 🎄 612000 by Universal Studios Japan @usj_official ♬ original sound - Guinness World Records

The Marist Holiday Tree was officially lit on November 20th and should stay illuminated through the holiday season. Check out more impressive celebrations below.