It’s time for the decorating to begin! Arizona’s tallest Christmas tree has officially arrived at the Outlets at Anthem in north Phoenix.
Santa and his elves rode in on the back of a 40-foot flatbed truck that hauled the tree into the shopping center parking lot Thursday morning. The massive tree stands 80 feet tall and will eventually be covered with 5,000 giant ornaments and bows.
It was hand selected from the Shasta Trinity National Forest along the California/Oregon border, a tradition that started 17 years ago in Anthem. The forest was replanted with 25 saplings from the tree to replenish the area.
A large crane will move the 9,000-pound tree into place. Throughout the next couple weeks, 10 people will work 8 hours a day to decorate the tree. A tree lighting ceremony will take place on Nov. 17 from 5-9 p.m.
For more information visit: https://www.outletsanthem.com/event/Tallest-Christmas-Tree-in-AZ-is-Coming/2145514946/