Dortmund welcomed the festive season on Monday, November 24, with the grand illumination of what the city proudly touts as the world’s tallest Christmas tree. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the heart of the Christmas market to witness the annual lighting of the spectacular structure, a tradition that has become a beloved marker of the season.
Standing at an impressive 45 meters, the installation is not a single tree but a towering assembly of 1,200 real red spruce trees, collectively weighing around 40 tonnes. Its crowning feature—a four-meter golden angel—rises higher than many full-sized Christmas trees. More than 138,000 LED lights blanket the structure, casting a bright glow across Dortmund’s famed holiday marketplace.
Reactions from locals were a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Resident Jana Redeker said the tree unmistakably signals the arrival of Christmas, though she felt this year’s LED lights give off a “slightly cold” appearance compared to previous, warmer displays. Her father, Wolfgang Redeker, welcomed the annual lighting with enthusiasm, saying it marks the beginning of a season filled with food, gatherings, and festive traditions.
The monumental tree has been the centerpiece of Dortmund’s “Christmas City” since 1996, drawing tourists and locals alike to one of Germany’s largest holiday markets. More than 300 stalls encircle the towering structure, offering handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and mulled wine. To delight crowds further, the tree performs a synchronized two-minute light show every hour, adding a rhythmic sparkle to the city’s holiday nights.
With its scale, spectacle, and long-standing tradition, Dortmund’s giant Christmas tree continues to stand as one of Europe’s most iconic holiday symbols—ushering in a season of warmth, wonder, and community.