The spruce that has served as Chelsea’s holiday tree in Chelsea Square will not be lit this year. The city is replacing it with a larger artificial tree, according to an announcement from Chelsea Trees, the city’s tree program, that carries the city seal and was shared with residents on Tuesday, November 10.
The announcement says city staff reviewed “the tree’s shape and suitability for holiday displays” and “determined it can no longer serve as Chelsea’s official holiday tree.” In its place, the city says, it will install “a larger, reusable artificial tree designed to hold lights and decorations for years to come.”
What happens to the spruce
The city plans to give away pieces of it. At the first Winter Farmers Market of the season, on Wednesday, November 18, residents can make holiday swags from the spruce’s branches. A swag is an arrangement of evergreen branches, finished with ribbon or other decorations, that hangs on a door. Katherine of Chelsea Botanicals will lead the activity.
- When: Wednesday, November 18, 2 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Chelsea Square, 179 Winnisimmet Street
- Cost: Free, while supplies last, according to the City of Chelsea’s post about the activity
The announcement adds that the city is “exploring creative ways to repurpose the trunk.” It does not say what those are.
What the city has not said
The posts leave several questions open in the public record. They do not say when the spruce comes down or whether it already has, how tall the artificial tree is, what it cost, or which account paid for it. They do not say how long the spruce served as the holiday tree, beyond “years.” The Chelsea Trees announcement mentions “this year’s tree lighting” without giving a date.
The city’s own post about the market activity calls the tree “Chelsea’s former holiday spruce” and describes the branches as a chance to “take home a little piece of Chelsea’s history.”
The market that day
November 18 is opening day for the Winter Farmers Market, which runs in Chelsea Square. Residents who fill out a city health survey by November 30 can get a $20 coupon for produce there. Details are in our story on the $20 coupon and the winter market.