Enjoy these unique Christmas trees at these American cities like the magical glow of the banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui 漏 Meredith Narrowe / Getty
When it comes to Christmas trees, you can go the traditional route 鈥 a stately fir wrapped in sparkling lights and tinsel. Or, you can go stack a bunch of lobster traps and wrap them with colorful buoys. These seven Christmas trees put a unique spin on the holiday celebrations.
San Clemente, California
When it comes to holiday celebrations, this Southern California city does it big. Measuring 100ft, this year's towering white fir is billed as the 鈥淭allest Christmas Tree in OC.鈥 Located at , the massive tree has more than 18,000 multicolored lights and 10,000 bows and ornaments.
Chandler, Arizona
Who needs a spruce or a fir when you can have tumbleweed. Yes, a tumbleweed. Since 1957, every holiday season, the city of collects tumbleweeds to construct a 30ft Christmas tree. The tumbleweeds are attached to chicken wire, the process takes about a week. Later, the tree is coated with flame-retardant and about 25 gallons of white paint and 65 pounds of glitter. Throw on some lights and a twinkling star and the end result is a stunning display that truly represents the city.
Pierre, South Dakota
Sometimes, more is better. More than 80 beautifully Christmas trees line the every holiday season. Each tree is decorated to reflect the year's theme. This year marks the event's 40th anniversary with the theme "Winter Wishes." The centerpiece tree is a 25-foot Colorado Blue Spruce.
San Francisco, California
Covered in crystals and measuring 50ft tall, Christmas tree would be a stunning sight just based on that alone. But what makes this attraction truly unique is that it鈥檚 dangling upside down from mall鈥檚 Level 4 dome.
Upside down Christmas trees date back to the Middle Ages and are believed to have been a symbol of Christianity. They were sometimes decorated with nuts, fruits and sweet treats, as was the tradition in parts of Poland.
Westfield鈥檚 upside-down Christmas tree has garnered both elation and anger since its 2016 unveiling.
How to virtually tour the world's most inspiring festive scenes
Lahaina, Hawaii
Planted in 1873, Lahaina鈥檚 banyan tree is an iconic symbol of the city. Every holiday season, Hawaii鈥檚 biggest tree that spreads over an acre is wrapped with over 6500 lights. A truly magical scene.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
It doesn鈥檛 get more New England than this. Standing 40ft high, and outfitted with hand-painted buoys from local residents and sparkling lights, s lobster trap Christmas tree is a beloved icon every holiday season. The tradition began in 2001.
Lynchburg, Tennessee
There鈥檚 really only one way to do Christmas in Lynchburg 鈥 with whiskey. Using 140 Jack Daniel鈥檚 American White Oak Whiskey barrels, the city erects a 26ft tall Christmas tree draped in sparkling festive lights and topped with a shining star. The tradition began in 2011.
Replicas of the tree have been erected all over the country with the top barrel of each tree going up for auction and the proceeds going to Operation Ride Home, a charity that, according to Jack Daniel鈥檚 press release 鈥渁ssists junior-enlisted service members and families travel from their place of military service back home for the holidays.鈥
You might also like:
8 Christmas traditions from around the world
6 classic Christmas movies to watch on your holiday travels
Traditional Christmas desserts from around the world
This article was first published Dec 7, 2020 and updated Nov 29, 2021.
Explore related stories
- Tips & AdviceBest travel credit cards for foodies in 2024: Earn points easily while unlocking amazing perks
Oct 19, 2024 鈥 13 min read