21 Nov, 2009
Newport Beach Biggest U.S. Holiday Tree’s Lighting Ceremony
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california| events
Newport Beach, Calif. — The annual Newport Beach tree lighting event that lights up the sky in Fashion Island occurs annually in November, and greets customers, shoppers, kids, adults and curious folks to the Tree Lighting Ceremony of what’s claimed to be the nation’s tallest tree. How this tree is constructed is a story unto itself. If you have a chance to visit Fashion Island this holiday season, do head for the courtyard and study the tree. Do you notice all the plastic needles on the tree? The claim of being the tallest or biggest comes from the size of the trunk which is shipped into the mall. Stripped of most its needles in transport, the tree is re-created to look lifelike by adding many artificial leaves and branches. Yet when they see it, most people never realize its branches and leaves are mostly man made. It’s a beautiful site, even though it lacks the authentic scent of a wooded forest that you’d expect when you stand close to such a large specimen. The tree lighting ceremony is held two nights– Nov. 20 & 21, 2009. Admission to this outdoor event is free.