A truly massive 115-foot Christmas tree recently concluded a three-day, 600-mile journey from Northern California's Mount Shasta, arriving at Citadel Outlets in Commerce on Monday. The grand arrival was met by Santa Claus himself, on hand to welcome what organizers have billed as the world’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Installed in the shopping center's Center Court at 100 Citadel Drive, the white fir now takes center stage for the holiday season. Its journey from its origin involved careful preparation, with extra-wide branches trimmed and the fir securely fastened to a flatbed truck for its lengthy trip south, according to organizers.
Upon its arrival, organizers noted, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Commerce.” They added that “the big man in red welcomed the World’s Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree at Citadel Outlets,” marking the official start of its holiday tenure.
Now that the tree has settled, a two-week decorating process will commence in anticipation of its official lighting ceremony on November 7. Workers will be tasked with adorning the towering fir with more than 18,000 multicolored lights. Alongside the extensive lighting, an additional 10,000 ornaments and bows will be carefully placed to complete the festive look. To ensure its grand shape is just right, more than 1,000 branches will also be added before a fire-retardant coating is applied.
The selection of this impressive white fir was made by Victor Serrao, the owner of Victor’s Christmas Trees. Serrao’s is a Southern California family business, bringing over 50 years of experience to the intricate process of sourcing and installing large Christmas trees.
The tree’s sheer scale is notable, particularly when compared to other Southern California landmarks. According to organizers, it stands a full 25 feet taller than the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier. For those familiar with Anaheim’s most famous castle, this tree surpasses Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland by a striking 38 feet. Even the iconic Hollywood Sign is dwarfed by the fir, which stands 70 feet taller. Its height also outstrips the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree by 35 feet, as highlighted by organizers.
This grand installation is a central component of Citadel Outlets' annual holiday tradition, which consistently features an oversized Christmas tree as the focal point of its seasonal celebrations, drawing visitors from across the region.
