Written by During the holiday season, people often put their Christmas trees at home, whether artificial or natural. You can also find large Christmas trees in public places like malls, parks, town halls, and squares all around the world.
These trees often become tourist spots, attracting many visitors and spreading holiday cheer.
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City is a great example. Each December, this iconic tree lights up the Plaza above the skating rink, which follows a tradition that began in 1933. People come from different places just to see the beautiful lights and decorations, making it a popular holiday stop.
Now, here’s an interesting story about a Christmas tree you might enjoy. Did you know that a small Christmas tree planted by a couple in 1979 has grown into an amazing 50-foot tourist attraction?
Amazing, right?
Avril and Christopher Rowlands planted a small fir tree in their yard in Inkberrow, Worcestershire, back in 1978.
Image Credit: SWNS
They bought it for $6 to celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. Over the years, they’ve taken care of it, and now it’s grown to a 52-foot-tall tree!
Image Credit: SWNS
Since 2004, they’ve used a cherry picker to hang thousands of lights on the tree, which now towers over their four-bedroom house. Imagine how big the tree is!
Even in their 80s, the couple keeps the tradition going by decorating the tree every December. It lights up the countryside, where it is one of the few bright sceneries. The whole town gathers on Pepper Street each year for the “Switching on” ceremony.
Avril, a retired TV writer, said, “It’s remarkable to think we bought the tree as a sapling. We had no idea it would grow so tall, but we’re delighted it has. Every year, people say the tree switch-on marks the start of Christmas.”
The Rowlands not only bring the community together but have also raised over £25,000 for various charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
In 2022, they raised £3,000 for Worcester Food Bank, and this year, 2024, they’re hoping to collect even more donations for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
However, keeping the tree in good shape hasn’t always been easy. Avril mentioned that the tree faced a disease last year, but they pruned some lower branches and added wooden posts for support.
“Obviously, Chris and I are getting on—I’m 80 next year—but we have no plans to stop the Christmas switch-on,” Avril added. “We wouldn’t know what to do if we couldn’t do this every year. It’s become a tradition in the village—and beyond—which is wonderful.”
Despite the costs of lighting the tree, the couple continues their tradition, which attracts around 2,000 people each year on December 6 to see the tree lit up.
To help with the electricity bill, they asked their energy provider for help, and the provider agreed to contribute £100.
The Inkberrow tree is so loved that it’s marked as a local landmark on Google Maps, receiving only 5-star reviews. The couple even gets holiday cards addressed to the tree, which Avril finds very sweet.
