The Story of Northgate’s Legendary Christmas Tree
Back in 1950, Seattle’s Northgate Center had a big idea—literally. To mark its first holiday season, the brand-new shopping mall decided to erect the world’s tallest Christmas tree.
In an era when towns across the U.S. were competing to create the “world’s largest” this or that, the folks at Northgate took things to the next level, sourcing a 212-foot Douglas fir and transforming it into a holiday spectacle unlike anything the city had seen before.
Indeed, the needle skinny, impossibly tall tree is unlike anything you see in public Christmas trees today.
Courtesy C. R. Douglas
A Holiday Feat of Epic Proportions
The tree, nearly 300 years old and weighing 50,000 pounds, was carefully selected from a Weyerhaeuser forest near Enumclaw, about 70 miles away. Felling the huge tree took an entire day, and transporting it was a logistical nightmare.
Courtesy CR Douglas
Over three days, the tree made its slow journey to the Northgate mall, escorted by police and shadowed by cranes to help maneuver its enormous size through tight turns and steep hills.
Via US National Archives
When the tree finally arrived, the real work began. It had been stripped of its branches for the trip, so workers attached nearly 2,000 limbs from other trees to give it that classic Christmas tree look. Adorned with 3,600 multicolored lights and two flashing red bulbs on top (to warn airplanes), the tree was hoisted into place just before Thanksgiving.
Courtesy C. R. Douglas
On November 24, 1950, Northgate officially lit its tree to the amazement of onlookers. For weeks, it stood as the main centerpiece of the mall’s holiday festivities, drawing shoppers and families from all over the Northwest region.
The project cost $27,000 (over $315,000 today), but it paid off in more ways than one. Northgate Mall became a holiday destination and cemented its place as a cultural landmark.
Courtesy C. R. Douglas
Christmas tree, Northgate Mall, Seattle, December 1950
Looking Back—and Thinking Ahead
It’s been more than 70 years, and Northgate’s tree still holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest cut Christmas tree ever. But as much as this story is a testament to holiday ambition and community spirit, it also raises an important question for today: should we be cutting down giant, centuries-old trees at all?
Trees like that 212-foot Douglas fir are more and more rare, and important for our environment. They sequester large amounts of carbon, provide habitat for countless species, and contribute to the health of our planet. In the face of climate change and deforestation, conserving big trees has become a priority for environmentalists worldwide.
While the 1950 project was undoubtedly a product of its time, today we might find other ways to celebrate the holidays that honor these natural giants without cutting them down and rebuilding them onsite.
Via Unsplash
A Modern Take on a Timeless Tradition
The story of Northgate’s tree reminds us of the joy and creativity that comes with the holiday season. It’s a tale of innovation and pride, but it’s also a chance to reflect on how we approach traditions in a world where conservation is more important than ever.
Maybe this year, instead of searching for the tallest tree to cut down, we could celebrate the ones still standing—decorating them in place, planting new ones, or finding other ways to honor the beauty and magic they bring to our lives. Because while a world-record Christmas tree is impressive, a world full of thriving forests is truly something to celebrate.
Via HistoryLink.
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