Christmas Magic Lights Up B.C. Legislature

LucasNovember 27, 20252 Mins read10

A 30-foot grand fir now stands at the B.C. Legislature, kicking off the holiday season with decorations, festivities, and community cheer.

A Tree, A Tradition, and A Touch of Wonder

It’s official Christmas has arrived early in Victoria. The B.C. Legislature is glowing with holiday spirit once again, and amazingly, the spotlight belongs to a 30-foot grand fir now standing proudly in the lower rotunda. Although the skies were rainy on Nov. 26, spirits were high as lumberjacks and government staff worked together to guide the enormous tree indoors.

Sourced With Care and Delivered With Heart

Since 1985, the Saanichton Christmas Tree Farm has generously donated the Legislature’s annual tree. Interestingly, Eric Stringer, who has helped with the last five deliveries, shared that this year’s pick had been watched for months. Moreover, while walking the farm near Shawnigan Lake, he noticed it standing brighter than the rest.

He explained that the tree grew in the open, and so it became rounder, fuller, and bushier over time. Instead of being pressed between other trees, it had room to spread out. Consequently, it turned into the perfect candidate tall, vibrant, and beautifully shaped.

Why a Grand Fir?

Families often choose spruce or pine. Yet, according to Stringer, the grand fir stands out because of its scent, rich branches, and height. Additionally, when provided with space and enough water, grand firs can reach nine metres in just 15 years. As a result, they are ideal for large-scale displays and festive decorations.

From Forest to Legislature One Careful Step at a Time

Bringing the tree indoors was smooth. However, the hardest part surprisingly happened the day before moving it from where it fell to the trailer. Because the area was full of brush, the team could only move it one or two feet at a time. Eventually, after hours of effort and with help from five people and a dog it finally reached its destination.

A Crowd, A Cheer, and A Holiday Beginning

When the grand fir was lifted into place, cheers echoed through the rotunda. Government staff and provincial dignitaries watched with delight as it rose through the second floor, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas season.

According to facility manager Surjit Dhanota, who has served at the Legislature for 30 years, this may be the best tree yet. Additionally, he praised its density and shape, saying the branches offered plenty of space for decorations.

Decoration Day and the Light Up Ceremony

First, the tree will rest for a full day, allowing its branches to settle. Afterward, both the day and night crews will begin decorating a process expected to take about four hours. Next, on Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m., the Light Up event will officially launch the holiday season.

Admission is free. Furthermore, the event will include a choir, hot beverages, family fun, and the iconic light switch moment that turns the Legislature red and green.

Lastly, everyone in B.C. is invited.