Holiday Tree Lighting set for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Shops at Heavenly Village is once again hosting the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the lighting of the 65' tall cut Christmas tree with Congressman Kevin Kiley and El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf. There will be music by Kristen Brown.

As the holiday season approaches, the famous Heavenly Village Christmas Tree
rivals the famous Rockefeller Tree in Times Square and stands as an iconic symbol of joy, hope, and tradition in the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. Each year, the arrival of this magnificent tree in South Lake Tahoe marks the official start of the holiday season.

Behind the scenes, the journey to source and procure this majestic tree steeped in history and tradition was the idea of Gardnerville resident and President/CEO for the Shops at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe, Gary Casteel Jr, and a remarkable undertaking performed by Dreu Murin, Douglas County resident and Kenny “Lake Tahoe Skibum” Curtzwiler from K&K Services.

Scouting For The Perfect Tree: The quest for the Heavenly Village Christmas Tree begins many months in advance, with Murin and Curtzwiler scouring communities in the bi-state area to find the ideal candidate. This tree must meet Murin's strict criteria, including height (typically between 50-75 feet), fullness, and overall beauty. Often, potential trees are discovered on private properties, where homeowners generously offer their beloved evergreens to become part of this cherished Lake Tahoe tradition.

A Gift to the City: Once a suitable tree is identified, the owner is approached with a heartfelt invitation to donate their tree to the Heavenly Village. This generous act of goodwill is a tradition that is greatly appreciated by organizers and will be seen by thousands of people from around the world. This year’s tree is being donated by the City Of South Lake Tahoe and is located on city property next to the Airport.

Tree Removal and Transport: The process of removing the tree from its original location and transporting it to Heavenly Village is a carefully coordinated effort. Curtzwiler, an expert arborist, ensures the tree is safely cut, with minimal impact on its health. A specialized crane from Ed Cook Crane Service is used to lift and secure the tree onto a flatbed truck from F&B Construction for its journey.

Arrival at Heavenly Village: The tree's arrival at the Heavenly Village is a momentous occasion. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department and California Highway Patrol escort the tree as it makes its way along city streets. The event is a fun time for locals to watch from along the route or at the Village. Curtzwiler and his team work tirelessly to make sure the tree is placed perfectly in its new home.

Tree Preparation and Decoration: Once resting in its new home the tree undergoes meticulous preparation. Its branches are trimmed, and the tree is mounted on a custom-built platform to ensure stability. The tree is adorned with thousands of LED lights and topped with the iconic Tahoe star by Alfanso and his team at Sun West Building Services, the engineering company for the Heavenly Village.

The Grand Illumination: The lighting of the Heavenly Village Christmas Tree is a fun event that captures the hearts of the hundreds that watch on the day after Thanksgiving, and daily through the holiday season. There will be a countdown to the tree's illumination by ladder truck #12 from the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department. The tree remains lit daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and 24 hours on Christmas Day, allowing visitors and viewers worldwide to share in the magic.

Sustainability and Legacy: Sustainability is a key consideration in the tree selection and decoration process. The Heavenly Village Christmas Tree is recycled into firewood by Curtzwiler to help folks who need help heating their homes through the Tahoe winters, ensuring that its legacy continues to bring joy and hope to others. For many years, the tree has been carefully chosen from many that are slated for cutting in tree-thinning project areas.

A Symbol of Unity and Tradition: “The Heavenly Village Christmas Tree is more than a stunning display; it's a symbol of unity, tradition, and the holiday spirit. Its journey from source to splendor is a testament to the goodwill and generosity of individuals and communities coming together to create something truly special”, Murin stated.

This year's Heavenly Village Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will also be carried live on the Visit Heavenly Village social channels.

Owners and representatives of Heavenly Village: They extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kenny Curtzwiler and his team. In the spirit of the holiday season, they express our deepest appreciation for Kenny's invaluable contributions to Heavenly Village and the joy he has shared with all. His dedication reminds us that it is individuals like him who truly make the holiday season special, and we are profoundly grateful for his unwavering commitment to spreading happiness and holiday magic.

The Shops at Heavenly Village are located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way. South Lake Tahoe, Calif.