News & Events

Schenectady, NY– Nov. 13, 2025 – With temperatures in the low 40s, Transfinder’s “elves” are working earlier this year to get the 45-foot Christmas tree up, more than a week before the Holiday Parade. 

The 45-foot tree and 2-foot star that sits at the intersection of State and Jay streets is at the center of the business district in Schenectady. 

This year’s tree is among the largest at this location. With 16,610 LEDs, it will again be lit by Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella at the start of the 56^th Annual Holiday Parade, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season. Transfinder has been the sponsor of the Schenectady Christmas Tree since 2019. 

Civitella contracted a metalworker last year to build a 6-feet-by-6-feet-by-5-feet stand that could support a larger tree. 

Last year, the tree went high tech with three large LED screens that were affixed to the base of the tree stand that allowed interaction with the community. People posted selfies on the screens, sent messages and learned interesting trivia, among other activities. The screens will be back this year. 

“It is an honor for Transfinder to sponsor this festive tree that is at the heart of Schenectady’s business district,” Civitella said. “To know that children will be dazzled by the lights during the parade and for the holiday season is something that is very special to me.” 

Civitella pays special attention to the tree that will grace downtown Schenectady. Several years ago, he felt the tree was too short and had it replaced with a taller tree, even after it had been decorated. 

“The community deserves the best tree we can give them, “Civitella said. “We are looking forward to all the messages people will send and just celebrating this wonderful time of year together.” 

Transfinder Tree factoids:

• 45 feet tall
• 16,000 lights
• 600+/- Christmas bulbs
• Custom steel stand (6-feet wide, 6-feet deep, 5-feet tall)
• Transfinder’s sponsorship since 2019

“We are looking forward to when this tree will light the street up!” Civitella said. “Happy Holidays, everyone!” 

About Transfinder
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts, police departments and adult care facilities. Transfinder is one of the fastest-growing companies in New York’s Capital Region, according to the Albany Business Review. and has made Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” for 13 years. It has offices in Texas, China and India. The software company, named a Best Place to Work and Top Workplace and Best Company to Work for in New York State, develops and supports routing and scheduling solutions for optimal transportation logistics. It has received numerous awards, including Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology by industry leaders and Top Educational App by Education Technology Insights. For more information, visit www.transfinder.com.