Santa Barbara's Christmas tree, a 39-foot white fir from Oregon, is placed in its spot on State Street on Tuesday.
Santa Barbara's Christmas tree, a 39-foot white fir from Oregon, is placed in its spot on State Street on Tuesday. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

While Thanksgiving has not yet come or gone, the annual giant Christmas tree arrived in downtown Santa Barbara on Tuesday. 

The arrival of the 39-foot, 30-year-old white fir marked the kickoff to the holiday season.

City and Big Red Crane crews installed the donated tree from Consumer Fire Products Inc. near the Arlington Theatre at 1317 State St.  

While a bit shorter than last year’s tree, it was chosen because it is bushier and has a nice shape, according to Kristen Rhodes, chief of staff at Consumer Fire Products.  

This year, the tree also dons a new starburst-shaped topper and bright white lights, according to Daniel Ramirez, director of operations and initiatives for the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association. 

The previous topper had been used for a decade, he said, and it was overdue for an upgrade.

The tree made a two-day trek from Grants Pass, Oregon, grown on a sustainable tree farm. The farm plants 10 trees for every tree it cuts, according to Irene Rhodes, CEO of Consumer Fire Products.

A worker trims the branches off the 30-year-old Christmas tree.
A worker trims the branches off the 30-year-old Christmas tree. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

A helicopter is used to harvest the tree because of its massive size and to load the tree onto a truck’s flatbed.

“It’s always a joy to bring it,” Irene Rhodes said. 

While the Christmas preparation may seem premature, Ramirez said it logistically needed to happen now to ensure coordination with staff and sponsors. 

A crane operator and his dog bring the 39-foot tree upright to trim away branches.
A crane operator and his dog bring the 39-foot tree upright to trim away branches. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

Tuesday was spent getting the tree upright with city staff trimming away branches to prepare it for the decorations as passersby stopped to take photos.

“I feel a little bit of respect that this is something incredible for nature — this massive size — and we are borrowing it so that we can honor and celebrate it and have it be part of bringing joy to so many people,” Kristen Rhodes said.

The tree arrives Tuesday on a long flat bed, finishing its two-day trek from Oregon.
The tree arrives Tuesday on a long flat bed, finishing its two-day trek from Oregon. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

However, the tree will not be lit until Friday, Dec. 5 in an annual holiday tree-lighting block party at the Arlington Theatre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Event-goers can take photos with Santa, kids can create wreaths from the giant tree trimmings, and there will be music and performances from local dance and musical groups.

The tree will stay up through New Year’s Day, according to Ramirez.  

Residents, too, can prepare for the holiday season by participating in Small Business Saturday, a shopping experience to support local stores this Saturday. 
For a full list of promotions and sales, click here.

Crews prepare Santa Barbara's Christmas tree for lights and decorations ahead of the tree-lighting block party on Dec. 5.
Crews prepare Santa Barbara’s Christmas tree for lights and decorations ahead of the tree-lighting block party on Dec. 5. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

Pricila Flores is a Noozhawk staff writer and California Local News Fellow. She can be reached at pflores@noozhawk.com.