City unveils towering harbourside Christmas tree

City of Newcastle has installed an 11-metre-tall Christmas tree at Queens Wharf today to spread festive cheer and activate the city centre over the holiday season.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at this morning's installation.

Adorned by more than 4,300 lights and 350 decorations, the tree is expected to become a City tradition over the next decade and will be lit-up for the first time Sunday night.

“Novocastrians love getting into the Christmas spirit, which is why we see thousands of people flock to see Christmas lights and sing carols at events across the city and region,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is bringing festive cheer to the city centre by installing a giant Christmas tree lit by thousands of twinkling lights and dressed in hundreds of ornamental baubles and decorations.

“Novocastrians will appreciate the sight of the tree by the harbour, especially at night. It’s sure to become a major drawcard, bringing families into the city.

“As we get closer to Christmas, it will be home to carollers and maybe even visits from Santa, creating family-friendly fun for visitors to the city centre.”

The Christmas tree has been assembled by a team of six people, after arriving in four pieces in addition to the base and a star to be placed on top.

Installed on the former Queens Wharf Tower site, it will be visible from kilometres away across the harbour and make a welcoming sight for cruise ship passengers as they enter the port.

The lights will be switched on for the first time Sunday night at 8pm.

The tree will be visible until 7 January and will be installed in the city centre annually over the next eight years.

The city centre is currently subject to traffic changes due to the Newcastle 500 Supercars, so light rail is the best option as it stops adjacent to the Christmas Tree site.

Visit livetraffic.com or plan your trip with newcastletransport.info/.