TYLER, Texas — Fall may still be in the air, but in the foreground of the crisp leaves in Downtown Tyler sits the epicenter of the holiday spirit in the Rose City --- a 30-foot tall Christmas tree.
This year's tree lighting will be unlike any other before for the city of Tyler. Crews set up its first artificial Christmas tree Monday and Tuesday. In years prior, the city has always displayed a real Christmas tree on the square.
"It's one of the largest one we've seen on the square," said city of Tyler Director of Parks & Recreation Leanne Robinette.
Robinette said this artificial tree cost $44,000, calling it an investment for the city. They opted to use an artificial tree for the next 10 to 20 years due to factors like travel, time and logistics. This tree can also grow in the future.
"There’s also a possibility for us to grow it if we want to see it a little taller," Robinette said.
The tree itself stands at 30 feet tall with the star burst adding an additional five feet. In the North Pole measuring system, that’s about 70 candy canes. About 18,000 lights will light up the tree with 1,800 ornaments glistening at all times.
"The actual set up of it, the set up of it and set up of the décor were so much easier this year than in years past," Robinette said.
According to the city, many residents like the artificial tree better than the real one.
“They did a great job. And this tree is absolutely gorgeous," Tyler resident Tim Fisher said. "This is a tremendous improvement. Last year’s tree was not pretty."
Crews spent about nine hours putting this artificial tree in place. It's decorated with gold and white ornaments reflecting on the city’s landscape. For Fisher, this tree is near perfection, he said the tree needs, "a little more red (to) make it Christmas."
As the city decorates for the holiday season with festive window decorations, the Christmas tree – real or artificial – brings a sense of joy to the city.
"It’s a time of celebration. It’s a time of joy," Fisher said.
The tree lighting ceremony has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
The city plans on having the tree lit for any photos opportunities starting Thursday night through Monday night. It’ll be turned off Tuesday until the Children's Miracle Network 2024 Miracle Child turns on the tree in the lighting ceremony.