Dortmund's Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The western German city of Dortmund officially launched the holiday season on Monday evening with the magnificent illumination of its enormous Christmas tree. This breathtaking ceremony attracted hundreds of enthusiastic visitors who gathered to witness the magical moment when the giant structure came to life with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere across the city.
The Engineering Marvel Behind the World's Largest Real Christmas Tree
Standing at an impressive 45 metres tall, this architectural wonder represents one of Germany's most ambitious festive installations. The tree's construction utilizes approximately 1,200 Norway spruces, carefully assembled to create what the city proudly declares as the largest real-tree Christmas installation globally. With a staggering weight of about 40 tonnes, the structure demands meticulous engineering and nearly a month of assembly work before it stands ready for the holiday season.
The lighting system represents another remarkable feat, featuring nearly 140,000 LED lights that blanket the tree in a radiant glow. Crowning this magnificent structure sits a four-metre illuminated angel that watches over the city, symbolizing peace and celebration. The tree doesn't just stand statically - it comes alive with a special light show performed at the top every hour, adding dynamic visual entertainment to the Christmas market experience.
A Beloved Tradition Since 1996
This giant Christmas tree has served as the centerpiece of Dortmund's Christmas market since 1996, establishing itself as a cherished tradition for both residents and tourists. The lighting ceremony particularly holds sentimental value for local families, as expressed by resident Jana Redeker who shared with ABS CBN that the tree's illumination signals the beginning of Christmas for her, despite her observation that this year's LED lights appeared "a bit cold."
Her father, Wolfgang Redeker, embodies the generational appreciation for this tradition, expressing his enjoyment of the ceremony as it marks the official start of festive celebrations. The tree forms the heart of a vibrant Christmas market featuring more than 300 stalls that surround the structure, offering visitors an extensive array of holiday shopping, traditional foods, and seasonal entertainment.
The combination of the monumental tree, the bustling market stalls, and the hourly light shows creates an unforgettable holiday experience that continues to draw crowds year after year, cementing Dortmund's reputation as a premier Christmas destination in Germany.
