Teleute

Biggest Christmas Tree, Albuquerque

The Christmas tree stands 55 feet tall and is composed of 130 fresh cut trees shipped in from northern New Mexico.
To assemble the tree it takes as many as twenty-five volunteers and a towering crane two days to complete the task. The framework of the tree is made out of eight-inch steel pipe with one hundred-thirty, three-inch by two-foot short pipes, welded to the main frame. Each tree trunk is hand trimmed to fit into the pipes. Once the tree is assembled the tedious process of placing the lights begins, thirteen thousand to be exact. And finally, trimming the tree with giant snowflakes and red ribbons completes its holiday dress.
The tree was first erected 29 years ago for the George Maloof Family bank, First National. It was displayed at the First Galleria Downtown. When the bank took new ownership the tree was passed on to the Old Town Optimist Club and in 1994 the Optimist Club began to decorate the tree for Plaza Don Luis. The fee they charged to decorate the tree would go towards a Charity Christmas Party for Children. Many years later the tree was purchased by Plaza Don Luis. They have continued the tradition of donating to a worthy cause